Exploring Regional Factors Associated with Mortality in Showt City, Northwest of Iran: A Study in Environmental, Socioeconomic, And Lifestyle Epidemiology

Authors

  • Ebrahim Mohammadi Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
  • Majid Babaei Department of Economic Sciences, Faculty of Economics and Management, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.
  • Bahram Naeimi Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  • Erfan Gholizadegan Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
  • Shila Hasanzadeh Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
  • Sima Deghani Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
  • Amir Mohammadi Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18502/jehsd.v11i3.22838

Keywords:

Mortality, Non-Communicable Diseases, Socioeconomic Factors, Environmental Influences.

Abstract

Introduction: Mortality is influenced by demographic, socioeconomic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. This study investigated the factors associated with mortality in Showt City, West Azerbaijan, Iran, between 2015 and 2019.

Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, data from 260 deceased individuals were collected using structured questionnaires and interviews with first-degree relatives. Information on demographic characteristics, causes of death (ICD-10), and associated factors was analyzed using SPSS version 16.

Results: Among the 260 deceased individuals, 58.5% (n = 152) were male and 41.5% (n = 108) were female, with a mean age at death of 66.49 ± 23.36 years. The highest proportion of deaths occurred in those aged ≥ 74 years (46.5%). Cardiovascular disease was the leading cause of death (38.1%). Major risk factors included smoking (51.9%), complete lack of regular physical activity (100%), illiteracy (64.2%), low monthly income (< 2.5 million Tomans, 51.9%), low consumption of vegetables (48.8% consumed only once per week), and high fast-food intake (36.9%). Environmental conditions were relatively favorable (safe water access: 97.7%; proper sewage system: 100%).

Conclusion: This study highlights the significant burden of cardiovascular disease and the critical role of modifiable lifestyle factors, such as smoking, physical inactivity, and poor nutrition, in mortality rates in Showt City. The findings provide important local evidence for health policymakers to develop targeted interventions to reduce preventable deaths in the region.

Published

2026-09-28

Issue

Volume (11) issue (3)

Section

Articles