US excess deaths continue to rise even after the COVID-19 pandemic, study finds

The United States has been facing a concerning trend of excess deaths compared to other high-income countries for the past four decades. A recent study led by researchers from Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH) revealed that over 1.5 million deaths could have been averted in 2022 and 2023 if US mortality rates were on par with those of its peer nations. These excess deaths, referred to as “missing Americans,” highlight the stark disparity in health outcomes between the US and other wealthy nations.

The study, published in JAMA Health Forum, found that excess deaths in the US have been steadily increasing over the years, with working-age adults bearing the brunt of this disparity. Even after the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, excess deaths in 2023 remained significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels. The data showed that 46% of all US deaths among individuals under 65 years old could have been avoided if the US had mortality rates comparable to its peer countries.

Dr. Jacob Bor, the lead author of the study and an associate professor at BUSPH, emphasized the urgent need to address this longstanding health crisis in the US. The findings underscored the preventable nature of these deaths and the systemic failures that have perpetuated this disparity over the years. The study also highlighted the impact of factors such as drug overdose, gun violence, and preventable cardiometabolic conditions on the rising mortality rates in the US.

While the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the trend of excess deaths in 2020 and 2021, the study pointed out that the underlying health disparities existed long before the pandemic. Dr. Andrew Stokes, a senior author of the study, emphasized the importance of learning from other countries that have successfully implemented universal healthcare, strong safety nets, and evidence-based public health policies to improve population health outcomes.

The researchers called for a reevaluation of policies and investments in public health, healthcare access, and social supports to address the root causes of the US mortality disadvantage. They warned that political polarization and policy neglect could further widen the gap between the US and its peer nations, leading to more preventable deaths among Americans. By implementing evidence-based strategies and learning from successful models in other countries, the US can work towards reducing excess deaths and improving overall population health outcomes.

In conclusion, the study sheds light on the persistent disparity in mortality rates between the US and other high-income countries and underscores the need for comprehensive and equitable healthcare policies to address this public health crisis. The findings serve as a call to action for policymakers, healthcare providers, and communities to work together towards achieving better health outcomes for all Americans.