Age- and sex-specific mortality in the Ruhr region from 1994 to 2004

Objective: Results of an analysis of the mortality in the Ruhr region have shown increased mortality rates and a corresponding lower life expectancy, relative to the federal state of North Rhine Westphalia (NRW) as a whole. For the years 2002-2004 the male life expectancy was 0.86 years below the NRW level, and for females 0.56 years under the NRW level. The analysis of the age- and sex-specific mortality rates between the years 1994 and 2004 has demonstrated in which age groups mortality increased in the Ruhr region. Method: The mortality rates for all 15 municipalities and counties of the Ruhr region have been analysed according to different areas: centre of population (Ballungskern), conurbation areas (Ballungsrandzone), Ruhr City (alias Ruhrgebiet/Ruhr-Region) and NRW without Ruhr City. Eleven average values and three-year mean values were calculated to reduce the range of the year-values. Per cent deviations of the NRW values demonstrate the size of the differences. Results: Comparisons between the centres of population, conurbation areas with NRW without Ruhr City demonstrate an increased mortality especially in the male and female age groups of 40 to 54 years. A comparison of the municipalities with the highest life expectancy level, Bonn, with that with the lowest life expectancy level, Gelsenkirchen, for the years 2002-2004 shows a difference in the life expectancy of 2.7 years for females and 4.3 years for males. The male and female mortality rates of the age groups 40-59 years in Gelsenkirchen exceed the comparable rates in Bonn by 30% on average. Conclusion: In spite of increasing life expectancy in the Ruhr region from 1994 to 2004 the age-specific mortality rates of the 35-54-year-old population are increased, especially in the centres of population. The problem area is the centres of population with a complicated socio-demographic situation and worse indicators of the health status.