CAUSE-SPECIFIC MORTALITY AMONG ISRAELI ADOLESCENTS IN THE 1980S

Purpose: Considerable mortality occurs during adolescence despite it b eing a relatively healthy period of life. Nationwide analysis of adole scent mortality data helps identify those sub-groups with higher-than- expected death rates, that may be amenable to preventive intervention programs. Methods: Adolescent mortality in Israel during 1981-1986 is examined by age (10-14, 15-19 years), sex, population group (jews, non -jews), and cause of death. Data were abstracted primarily from specia l publications for 1981-1986. Recently available mortality updates for 1987-1989 were inspected and significant changes in mortality during the latter period have been included. Results: Among an average of app roximately 800,000 adolescents aged 10-19 years living in Israel durin g 1981-1986, the majority (77%) were Jews. Overall mortality was 36.7 per 100,000. Death rates were almost twice as high for males as for fe males, increased with age for all population subgroups, and were 63% h igher for non-Jews compared with Jews. Accidents were the major cause of death among Israeli adolescents (37.7% of total mortality), with ma le-to-female rate ratio of 3.4. Mortality from all external causes, in cluding accidents, suicide, homicide, and other external causes accoun ted for 50.6% of all deaths. Neoplasms were the next major cause of de ath. Israel and U.S. adolescent mortality rates were compared and show ed similar trends. Conclusions: The non-jewish minority adolescents, a nd most particularly the males, are at the highest risk of death. Prev entive intervention programs should be targeted to the high-risk popul ations described.