The analysis of premature mortality in selected Central and East European countries

Despite mortality improvements across Europe, premature mortality notably persists in Central and East European countries. This study is aimed to assess premature mortality variations across Central and East European countries from 1970 to 2019, employing both classical premature mortality indicators and the more nuanced lifespan disparity indicators. Specifically, the analysis utilised the proportion of deaths up to the age of 65, lifespan disparity, and an age threshold derived from lifespan disparity to explore mortality trends. The findings reveal a stable reduction in premature mortality within Central European and Baltic countries, contrasting with the pronounced fluctuations experienced by East European countries. Remarkably, Czechia, Slovakia, and Estonia demonstrating the most significant progress in mitigating premature deaths. The trajectory of premature mortality in Central and Eastern European nations underscores the influence of socioeconomic crises and distinct alcohol consumption patterns on mortality trends. The study highlights the limitations of employing a static age threshold of 65 years in analysis of premature mortality, which fails to capture the full scope of premature mortality realities, particularly among females. However, the traditional metric of deaths before age 65 provides a broadly understandable measure, the nuanced insights offered by lifespan disparity and its derived age threshold enhance our understanding of premature mortality dynamics. Recognising the strengths and limitations of each indicator is essential for advancing our grasp of premature mortality and for refining the development and execution of targeted public health interventions throughout Europe.

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