===== ASMR (Age-Standardized Mortality Rate) =====

**ASMR** stands for **Age-Standardized Mortality Rate**, a statistical measure that adjusts mortality rates to a **standard age distribution**, allowing **fair comparisons** between populations with different age structures.

==== Purpose ====
  * To remove the effect of differing age distributions between populations.
  * To enable comparisons of mortality across:
    * Countries or regions
    * Time periods
    * Demographic groups
  * Widely used in **Global Burden of Disease (GBD)** studies and public health surveillance.

==== Calculation ====
  * Weighted sum of age-specific mortality rates, using a **standard population** (e.g., WHO or GBD reference population).
  * Expressed as: **deaths per 100,000 population (age-standardized)**

==== Interpretation ====
  * A **higher ASMR** indicates a **greater risk of death** independent of population age structure.
  * A **decline in ASMR over time** reflects improved survival or effective prevention, not just demographic change.

==== Example ====
  * If Country A has an older population than Country B, its crude mortality rate may be higher.
  * ASMR adjusts for age, so we can compare the **underlying risk of dying** across countries or over time.

==== Applications ====
  * Global comparisons of disease-specific mortality (e.g., ICH, cardiovascular disease, cancer)
  * Monitoring trends in population health
  * Evaluating impact of interventions

==== Related Terms ====
  * [[Crude mortality rate]]
  * [[Age-standardized rate (ASR)]]
  * [[Disability-Adjusted Life Year (DALY)]]
  * [[Global burden modeling]]