Mortality from external causes of death in Russia over the past half-century

Abstract

The article discusses the long-term dynamics (since 1956) of mortality from external causes of death in Russia. Russia has long lagged behind developed countries in terms of the level of mortality from external causes of death, which continues to remain high, as does the structure of such mortality, whose archaism is reflected in the large contribution of homicides, alcohol poisoning and injuries of undetermined intent.

On the basis of life tables, a calculation is made of excess deaths (d_x) in Russia compared with Western European countries. It is shown that in Russia the greatest excess losses are associated with mortality from poisonings among both sexes, suicide among men and murder among women.

Mortality from external causes, along with mortality from diseases of the circulatory system, has had a significant impact on life expectancy. In general, in the period 1956-2012, the increase in mortality from external causes in the 15-64 age group reduced life expectancy for males by 2.6 years and women by 0.7 years.

The decline, starting in 2003, of mortality from external causes of death has slightly reduced the gap between Russia and developed countries, bringing Russia closer to the levels of mortality reached in the mid-1960s and 1980s. However, given the fluctuations of mortality from external causes, it is premature to say whether the current decline in mortality is a stable trend.