Impact of Avoidable Mortality on Life Expectancy in Spain
Author Information
Author(s): Gispert R, Serra I, Barés M A, Puig X, Puigdefàbregas A, Freitas A
Primary Institution: Servei d’Informació i Estudis, Departament de Salut, Generalitat de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
Hypothesis
To evaluate the impact of avoidable mortality on the changes in life expectancy at birth in Spain.
Conclusion
The study found that avoidable mortality significantly impacts life expectancy, with improvements noted particularly in younger populations due to health interventions.
Supporting Evidence
- Life expectancy increased in all ages and both sexes.
- The main contribution to the increase of life expectancy at birth was due to people over 50.
- Mortality in young adults produced a reduction in life expectancy between the first two periods.
- Avoidable mortality through health service interventions showed improvements in life expectancy in those younger than 1 year and in those aged 45–75 years.
Takeaway
This study shows that many deaths could have been prevented with better health care, and that improving health services can help people live longer.
Methodology
Standard life table techniques and the Arriaga method were used to calculate and decompose life expectancy changes by age and causes of avoidable mortality.
Limitations
Variability among studies regarding which causes of death are considered avoidable may lead to inconsistent results.
Participant Demographics
The study analyzed deaths of residents in Spain from 1987 to 2001, with a higher number of avoidable deaths in men than in women.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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