[A comprehensive program for prevention of chronic non-infectious diseases in basic population groups--the Belec Study. V. Changes in mortality and causes of death after intervention].

After an earlier analysis of mortality and causes of death in the rural community Belec for the period from 1977 to 1981, analysis was repeated for the period from 1983 to 1987. In the meantime, in 1984, the Health Committee and the Guidance Clinic for Hypertension were founded, as important elements of Comprehensive Programme for Fighting Non-infectious Chronic Diseases in Basic Population Groups of Belec Study, started in 1981. The order of causes of death did not change significantly in the period analyzed. However, 12% decrease of the crude death rate was noted, as well as the decrease of both cardiovascular diseases death rate (33%) and malignant neoplasms death rate (17%). Cerebrovascular diseases death rate increased for 3%. At the same time, data for the Republic of Croatia show an increase of 16% of crude death rate, as well as an increase of cardiovascular diseases death rate (20%), cerebrovascular diseases death rate (24%) and malignant neoplasms death rate (11%). Results suggest positive impact of the Programme.