Mortality due to endemic and imported parasitoses in Chile. 1997-2020

Abstract

Background: Parasites are a public health problem due to their high prevalence in developing countries, their persistence in developed countries mainly due to the migration of people, and their associated morbidity and mortality. Aim: To determine the deaths in Chile caused by endemic and imported parasites; according to region, sex, age group, urban-rural origin and educational level, and mortality rates. Method: Population-based study, times series of mortality (1997 to 2020). Statistical analysis was performed using Excel and R Studio programs, calculation of χ², p value < 0.05. Results: 2,413 deaths occurred due to parasites, 65.1% by protozoa, 33% by helminths and 1.9% by arthropods. The average national mortality rate was 0.6 per 100.000 inhabitants. The main causes of death were Chagas disease (63.6%), hydatidosis (24.3%) and cysticercosis (8.1%). Most of the deceased belonged to the Coquimbo Region. The mean age of death was 74, 62 and 67 years old for deaths from protozoa, helminths and arthropods, respectively. Deaths occurred mostly in men. Most came from urban areas and had a low educational level. Conclusions: Chagas disease is the main cause of death from parasites in Chile.