The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global life expectancy has been a topic of concern and study since the outbreak began. Recent research has shed light on the indirect effects of the pandemic on mortality rates and life expectancy in 24 countries. The findings reveal a concerning trend of declining life expectancy in most countries, with the United States experiencing the largest decline of 2.1 years for males.
Lead author Antonino Polizzi, a student at the Leverhulme Centre for Demographic Science, emphasized the significance of the study in understanding the direct and indirect effects of the pandemic on mortality rates worldwide. The research indicates that life expectancy losses had not returned to pre-pandemic levels in several countries by 2022.
The study identified cardiovascular disease as a major contributor to life expectancy losses during the pandemic, particularly in Russia and Eastern Europe. The authors noted that lapses in prevention or treatment of cardiovascular disease, as well as undercounted COVID-19 deaths, could have played a role in these increased mortality rates.
Furthermore, the research highlighted increased mortality from substance abuse and mental health-related causes in some countries, such as the US and Canada. While suicide and accident mortality declined during the pandemic years, drug-related deaths continued to rise, contributing to life expectancy declines.
On a more positive note, cancer mortality generally continued to decline in most countries, suggesting that cancer care was less disrupted than anticipated during the pandemic. However, the study underscored the importance of robust healthcare systems capable of handling crises without compromising care for other conditions.
The authors concluded by emphasizing the need for targeted public health interventions to address the varied impacts of the pandemic across different countries and age groups. Dr. José Manuel Aburto, a demographer at the Leverhulme Centre for Demographic Science, highlighted the importance of analyzing different diseases and causes of death in a post-pandemic context to improve global healthcare systems.
In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into the far-reaching effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mortality rates and life expectancy worldwide. By understanding these impacts, policymakers and healthcare professionals can work towards implementing effective strategies to mitigate the long-term consequences of the pandemic on global health.
