Teoria przejścia epidemiologicznego oraz fakty na przełomie wieków w Polsce

The main purpose of the article is to study the evolution of the last stages of the epidemiological transition in Poland, and to find out whether the country has experienced the fourth stage "age of delayed degenerative diseases" during which deaths by degenerative diseases are postponed to older ages. Before presenting results of empirical analyses the epidemiological transition theory and its extensions and modifications are discussed. Moreover, the theory of health transition is presented. Mortality analysis in Poland is based on features which are characteristic for particular stages of the epidemiological transition. The contribution of changes in the cause of death to overall life expectancy was estimated for the period from 1991 to 2006. Historical data analysis indicates that first stages of transition process in Poland were similar to those for western countries, but the onset of transition was slightly delayed. The final results of this study suggest that in Poland the fourth stage of the epidemiological transition and the second phase of the health transition have begun since the 1990s for women and since 2000 for men