The mortality rate for May 2023 was similar to the five year average for this time of year despite the number of deaths being 5% above average, according to provisional data from the National Records of Scotland.
The age-standardised mortality rate (ASMR) was 1,053 deaths per hundred thousand people, 1% below the average, although this difference is not considered statistically significant. The ASMR measure takes into account the size and age-structure of the population.
The number of deaths was 4,990 which was 5% higher than the average for the month of May over the last five years. This measure does not take into account how the population has grown larger and older over the years.
Vital Events Statistician with NRS, Daniel Burns, said: “Mortality was close to average levels in May, after being above average in March and April. The rate of mortality has generally been above average in the past twelve months.”
“Our data shows that ischaemic heart disease was the most common cause of death in May, accounting for 11% of all deaths. It was the most common cause of death for men, although for women the most common cause was Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia”.
The full report can be found on the NRS website, here: https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/statistics-and-data/statistics/statistics-by-theme/vital-events/general-publications/monthly-mortality-analysis-scotland. Please note, these figures are provisional and are subject to change.