Russian Mortality Trends for 1991-2001: Analysis by Cause and Region

The authors investigated trends in Russian mortality for 1991-2001 with particular reference to trends since the Russian economic crisis in 1998, after which mortality was found to have increased substantially. Most fluctuations were due to changes in mortality from vascular disease & violent deaths (including suicide) among young & middle aged adults. Trends were similar in all parts of Russia. Fluctuations seemed to correlate strongly with underlying economic & societal factors, & on an individual level with alcohol consumption. (16 refs)