Mortality patterns in a tribal population in the Dangs district of Gujarat, India: A verbal autopsy-based study

Introduction: Reliable mortality data is scarce in tribal and rural areas of India, where many deaths occur outside of healthcare facilities. Verbal autopsy is a practical approach for identifying the cause of death in such settings. This study examined the common causes of death across different gender and age groups in a tribal population in Dangs, Gujarat, using verbal autopsies. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to June 2024 using the verbal autopsy approach. Data on all deaths occurring between 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2023 were collected by trained field workers through structured VA interviews conducted in the Gujarati language. Causes of death were determined using ICD-10 coding by two independent, trained physicians. Discrepancies were resolved through reconciliation and adjudication by a third physician. Results: A total of 303 deaths were analyzed. The mean age at death was significantly lower for males (53 years) than for females (60 years). The leading causes of mortality were senility (15%), alcohol-related deaths (12%), and stroke (11%). Alcohol-related deaths, including alcoholic liver disease, excessive alcohol consumption and withdrawal complications, disproportionately affected males, accounting for 17% of all male deaths. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases and stroke, were prevalent among older adults, whereas suicides and alcohol-related deaths were more common among younger and middle-aged males. Conclusion: This study highlights alcohol abuse, suicide and stroke as significant contributors to mortality in the tribal population of Dangs. The findings emphasize the urgent need for public health measures focusing on reducing alcohol-related harm, promoting mental health, and preventing NCDs. Implementing a community-oriented primary care model could help to address these challenges by providing targeted interventions and reducing preventable deaths, thereby improving overall community health.