Is it possible to talk about a polarized-prolonged transition epidemiological model in Venezuela? An analysis of Venezuelan epidemiological profile in the years 2000-2010

Jenny Garcia, Institut National d'Études Démographiques (INED)

In the attempt to build theoretical frameworks that synthesize explanations for changes in epidemiological profile throughout history, the epidemiological transition theory arises. Many critics have been made to this theory, among them, Frenk & al (1991), who point to the idea of an extended- polarized model in the case of Latin America epidemiological transition. Through the verification of the assumptions behind this model, structure of causes of death of Venezuela is analyzed with the main objective of characterizing its epidemiological profile during the years 2000 to 2010. This investigation uses partial and bivariate correlations and simple regression analysis of standardized mortality rates for the population aged 5 and older. The results indicate a clear pertinence of the model at national level analysis and some differences in the way that epidemiological profiles are being configured for women and men in the country.