Evaluation of the causes of DEATH in Antalya for the YEARS 2018-2019-2020

In the study, deaths in Antalya between the years 2018-2019-2020 and the causes of these deaths were evaluated. This research is a descriptive study. The data were obtained from the Antalya Provincial Health Directorate Death Notification System. It was aimed to reach all the records in the Death Notification System. Among the causes of death in these records, the underlying cause of death was determined according to international rules. Causes of death were classified according to the ICD-10 code of the underlying cause of death. Data were analysed using SPSS for Windows 23.0 program. For descriptive statistics, numerical and percentage values were used in categorical variables. Mean, standard deviation and median values were used in continuous variables. The normality of data was evaluated using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. The groups were compared with the chi-square test and Kruskal-Wallis test. The statistical significance level was accepted as p < 0.05. In 2020 the Covid-19 pandemic year, there were 1,413 (%10,8) more deaths in Antalya compared to 2019. The frequency of deaths in 2020 was high in people aged 65 and over, with less education, and in those who reside in Antalya. The frequency of deaths in 2020 was high in people aged 65 and over, less educated groups and those who reside in Antalya. Its frequency in the younger age group and in singles has decreased compared to previous years. In 2020, compared to previous years, the frequency of deaths due to infectious diseases and staying at home increased, while the frequency of deaths as forensic cases decreased. The top three causes of death in all years are circulatory system diseases, benign and malignant tumors and respiratory system diseases. Deaths from Covid-19 were the fourth leading cause of death in 2020. In 2020, compared to previous years, while the death rate due to circulatory system diseases increased, the rate of external injuries and poisonings decreased. The increase in the number of deaths in January 2019 and in the second half of the year in 2020 became more pronounced than in other years. In the same period, the number of deaths caused by respiratory system diseases in 2019 and the number of deaths from Covid-19 increased significantly in 2020. Excess deaths were estimated at 1.172 for 2020 in the study. According to the records in the Death Notification System, the number of deaths from Covid-19 was found to be 1.159. It was determined that the ICD code was not used in the cause of death entries in approximately %20 of all records. Today, health information systems have an active role in the collection and evaluation of data. This research has shown that deaths and the effects of extraordinary periods such as pandemics on deaths can be evaluated using the Death Notification System. Mortality statistics are crucial data and these research outcomes can guide public health policies and interventions. Key Words: Death records, Causes of death, COVID-19 pandemic, Excess mortality.