Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the trends in the mortality rates of the population between the ages of 0-24 in various income groups around the world in 1990 and 2021 by age groups and gender in comparison with Türkiye. It also aims to determine whether there is a significant difference in stillbirth rates between Türkiye and income groups in the last 22 years.

Data on child deaths and stillbirths between 1990 and 2021 were extracted from the United Nations child mortality database and analyzed by age groups <1 year, 1-4 years, 5-14 years, 15-24 years, gender and country income groups. Prism statistical analysis package program was used for comparative graphics and analysis.

Mortality rates in all age groups in the population aged 0-24 years are on a downward trend from 1990 to 2021. While the mortality rate at age <5 years decreased by 62% in the high-income countries group, it decreased even more in Türkiye, reaching 88%. Similarly, stillbirth rates in Türkiye decreased significantly, approaching the level of high-income countries. In 2020-2021, for the first time in Türkiye, the mortality rate in the 15-24 age group was lower than in the high-income countries group. In general, the male population has a higher mortality rate than the opposite sex across income and age groups.

Although mortality rates between 0-24 years of age have shown a certain downward trend in each income group, the rate of mortality varies according to the income level of countries. In recent years, there has been a significant decrease in the 0-24 mortality rates in Türkiye. However, in order to further reduce these rates, countries need to improve their own access to health services and gender equitable preventive measures such as nutrition and immunization.