Assessment of premature deaths in Istanbul using Geographic Information System

Background: Analysing mortality rates and reasons in Turkey's urban allocations using geographic information systems (GIS) is a new research area. While planning health services, knowing the reasons and mortality rates according to age and residental area is a big source for health planners and for people who give health service. The aim of this research is to analyse the deaths under 5 year age in big cities depending on the socio economical range by using GIS. Also it will be possible to determine geographical risky places. Methods: In this ecological research, under 5 year deaths that occurred between 2005 and 2009 were analyzed. Turkish statistical institute (Turk Stat) population and age specified death data's; Istanbul Metropolitan municipality (IMM) cemetery directorate death records and Ministry of Finance land unit prices (in order to determine the social-economical level of the districts) have been used as data resources. Z value of each year's death, depending on the districts age ranges and average of all years Z value has been calculated and shown on the map. Results: While under – 5 mortality rates was 19,37 per thousand in 2005, it was 14,31 per thousand in 2009. Deaths under 5 year old especially took place in Istanbul European side (in districts where the land value is low). Conclusions: It is observed in Istanbul that under five years age mortality is gradually decreasing and that mortality rates are relatively high in peripheral areas. Considering fewer than five year age mortalities, this is an evidence for inequality of health services.As a process in management of urban health, definition of inequality by locations, determining the regions at risk for diseases, supplying and simplifying meaning of required information for health personnel, GIS applications are effective methods to make continuous health surveillance and to comment on its results.