Life Expectancy Disparities in the USA
Author Information
Author(s): Dwyer-Lindgren Laura, Baumann Mathew M, Li Zhuochen, Kelly Yekaterina O, Schmidt Chris, Searchinger Chloe, La Motte-Kerr Wichada, Bollyky Thomas J, Mokdad Ali H, Murray Christopher JL
Primary Institution: Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington
Hypothesis
This study aims to update and expand the original Eight Americas study by examining trends in life expectancy from 2000 to 2021 for ten Americas based on race, ethnicity, and geography.
Conclusion
The study confirms that life expectancy disparities in the USA have grown significantly, particularly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Supporting Evidence
- Life expectancy disparities were evident across different racial and ethnic groups.
- The gap in life expectancy increased from 12.6 years in 2000 to 20.4 years in 2021.
- COVID-19 significantly impacted life expectancy, particularly for marginalized groups.
- Income and educational attainment varied widely among the ten defined Americas.
- Black and Latino populations experienced some of the largest declines in life expectancy during the pandemic.
Takeaway
Some groups in the USA live much longer than others, and this gap has gotten bigger over time, especially because of COVID-19.
Methodology
The study used a systematic analysis of mortality data from the National Vital Statistics System and population estimates from the US Census Bureau to calculate life expectancy across ten defined groups.
Potential Biases
There is a risk of bias due to misclassification of race and ethnicity in vital statistics data.
Limitations
The study faced challenges with misreporting of race and ethnicity on death certificates, which could affect the accuracy of life expectancy estimates.
Participant Demographics
The study analyzed life expectancy across ten groups defined by race, ethnicity, and geographic location.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% uncertainty interval
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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