Excess Deaths in the United States Compared to 18 Other High-Income Countries

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Comparative Mortality Analysis
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The United States exhibits notably poor survival outcomes compared to other high-income nations.
• Understanding the specific distribution of excess deaths is crucial for aligning U.S. mortality rates with international standards.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify excess deaths in the U.S. by comparing its mortality rates to 18 high-income countries.
• To identify age, sex, and cause-specific patterns of excess mortality in the U.S.

Main Methods:

• Utilized 2016 data from the World Health Organization Mortality Database and the Human Mortality Database.
• Calculated excess deaths in the U.S. relative to a selection of 18 high-income peer countries.

Main Results:

• The U.S. demonstrates excess mortality across all age and sex demographics and for 16 leading causes of death.
• Potential U.S. mortality reductions vary significantly by comparison country, ranging from 176,825 (Germany) to 884,912 (Japan) deaths.
• Achieving peer country death rates could equate to eliminating major causes of death like heart disease or unintentional injuries.

Conclusions:

• U.S. excess mortality is a widespread issue affecting all demographic groups and major causes of death.
• Policies targeting social conditions and health behaviors are more likely to reduce U.S. mortality than healthcare access or technology alone.
• Significant mortality reductions are achievable by aligning U.S. death rates with those of comparable high-income nations.