Trends in the mortality rate from pulmonary emphysema as a basic cause in Chile: a study from 2017 to 2022

Abstract

Introduction: Pulmonary emphysema is a type of progressive obstructive pulmonary disease, mainly caused by prolonged exposure to tobacco. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the 3^rd leading cause of mortality worldwide. The aim of this study is to determine the mortality rate due to pulmonary emphysema in the period 2017-2022, Chile. Methodology: Observational, descriptive, ecological, cross-sectional, and descriptive study, on deaths due to pulmonary emphysema, 2017-2022 in Chile (N=720). The information was collected from the department of statistics and health information. Mortality rate was calculated. No ethics committee was required. Results: The mortality rate for the period was 0,94 per 100.000 inhabitants. Of particular note was 2022 with 1,09 deaths per 100.000 population. Males predominated each year, obtaining a mortality rate for the period of 1,18 per 100.000 population. The age range with the highest mortality rate was the group aged 80 years and over with 13,31 per 100,000 population. The most frequent place of death during the period (58,5%) was in the home. Discussion and conclusion: The mortality rate is an important indicator for the implementation of public policies, as pulmonary emphysema is an important cause of death in the world population. There has been a progressive increase in the mortality rate in women and a stabilization in men. It is necessary to look more deeply into the subject and the different indicators at the country level.