All-cause mortality refers to the overall death rate within a population, regardless of the specific causes of death. This measure is commonly used in epidemiological studies to assess the general health and mortality risk within a population. By analyzing all-cause mortality rates, researchers can identify trends in mortality over time, assess the impact of various factors on mortality rates, and evaluate the effectiveness of public health interventions. High all-cause mortality rates indicate poor overall health and potentially inadequate access to healthcare services, while declining rates may suggest improvements in healthcare, lifestyle factors, or other mitigating factors.