Mortality in the two Germanies in 1986 and trends 1976-1986

Abstract

"Mortality data of the Federal Republic of Germany and the GDR [German Democratic Republic] are compared by age, sex and cause of death....Within the period from 1976 to 1986 life expectancy has risen in the Federal Republic of Germany, whereas in the GDR it increased to a minor extent only, so that the gap between the two parts of Germany has clearly enlarged. This enlarged gap in life expectancy largely depends on a higher mortality in the GDR due to diseases of the circular system and the respiratory organs, external influences and 'other' causes of death. The last-mentioned two groups also 'contain' the normally [separately] reported causes of death 'cirrhosis of the liver', 'suicide', 'accidents', and some diseases of the digestive system." (SUMMARY IN FRE)