Аннотация
Introduction. Premature mortality is often used as an indicator of health system performance. Health authorities track it to identify gaps, prioritize public health measures, and inform policies. In Kazakhstan, premature mortality has not been comprehensively analyzed. Objective. To examine the dynamics and structure of premature mortality in the Republic of Kazakhstan for the period 2014-2021, assessing gender differences, leading causes of death, and changes based on age-standardized indicators. Materials and methods. The analysis of premature mortality indicators was conducted using data from the S. Kairbekova National Scientific Center for Health Development for the period 2014–2021, with consideration of sex and causes of death in accordance with the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision. All cases were grouped into four main categories: non-communicable diseases, communicable diseases, maternal and neonatal causes, and injuries. Age groups ranged from 0-4 to 70-74 years. To ensure comparability, age-standardized mortality rates based on the OECD 2015 standard population were applied. Statistical data analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS. Results. From 2014 to 2021, premature mortality rates in Kazakhstan fluctuated, declining in most areas until 2019, followed by a sharp increase in 2020 and 2021, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Premature mortality from NCDs declined until 2019, but increased in 2020 and 2021. Mortality from communicable diseases and maternal and neonatal mortality decreased until 2019, then increased due to the pandemic. Injury-related mortality fluctuated, rising sharply in 2018 and again in 2020. Absolute changes show a decrease in mortality from communicable diseases, maternal and neonatal diseases, and NCDs, with an increase in mortality from injuries. Total premature mortality decreased by 49 %. Conclusion. From 2014 to 2021, Kazakhstan saw evolving patterns in premature mortality, with men consistently demonstrating higher premature mortality rates, especially from communicable diseases, NCDs, and injuries. Despite improvements in healthcare, significant gender disparities in premature mortality rates persist. Addressing these issues requires comprehensive strategies that focus on improving healthcare access, promoting healthier lifestyles, addressing social determinants, and implementing gender-sensitive policies to reduce inequalities.