Provisional Mortality Data - United States, 2022

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Biostatistics

Background:

• The National Vital Statistics System (NVSS) collects U.S. mortality data from death certificates.
• Final mortality data are released with a delay; provisional data offer timely estimates.
• Provisional data are crucial for understanding current mortality trends and informing public health responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of provisional U.S. mortality data for 2022.
• To compare 2022 death rates with 2021 data.
• To highlight leading causes of death and demographic disparities in mortality.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of provisional death certificate data collected by the NVSS.
• Calculation of age-adjusted death rates for 2021 and 2022.
• Identification of leading causes of death and high-risk demographic groups.

Main Results:

• Approximately 3,273,705 deaths occurred in the U.S. in 2022.
• The age-adjusted death rate decreased by 5.3% from 2021 to 2022 (879.7 to 832.8 per 100,000).
• COVID-19 was associated with 244,986 deaths (7.5% of total deaths).
• Leading causes of death were heart disease, cancer, unintentional injuries, and COVID-19.
• Highest death rates were observed in individuals aged ≥85 years, non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native, non-Hispanic Black, and males.

Conclusions:

• Provisional mortality data indicate a decrease in the overall death rate in 2022.
• Significant mortality disparities persist across age, race/ethnicity, and sex.
• Timely provisional data are essential for guiding public health interventions and policies to reduce mortality.