IMPACT OF AIDS ON PREMATURE MORTALITY IN AMSTERDAM, 1982-1992

Objective: To study the impact of AIDS on premature mortality in the c ity of Amsterdam (1982-1992). Methods: We combined aggregated data fro m the Netherlands Central Bureau for Statistics with data from the mun icipal death and population registry and data from the Amsterdam AIDS surveillance system to calculate age standardized mortality rates for men aged 15-64 years and 25-54 years and working years of potential li fe lost before 65 years (WYPLL). Results: AIDS was the leading cause o f death for men aged 25-54 years in Amsterdam from 1990 onwards, and t he third leading cause of death for men aged 15-64 years in 1991. In t his larger age group AIDS will probably become the leading cause of de ath in the coming years. In 1991, AIDS was already the leading cause o f WYPLL before 65 years for men in the 15-64 age group. Without AIDS, there would have been a decrease in premature WYPLL from 1982 onwards; however, because of AIDS the number of WYPLL is increasing again. Con clusion: AIDS has had a significant impact on the pattern of premature mortality in Amsterdam in the period 1982-1992. Its impact will proba bly increase over the next few years.