The U.S. mortality rate is worse compared to other developed nations. This was revealed by a new study conducted by researchers at Boston University.
US Mortality Rate Worse Than Other Nations
According to Science Alert's latest report, the new study claimed that over one million deaths in the U.S. could have been avoided if the mortality rate of the country is the same as other nations.
The new study calls the excess deaths in the U.S. "Missing Americans."
"The number of Missing Americans in recent years is unprecedented in modern times," said Jacob Bor, an epidemiologist at the Boston University, via BU School of Public Health.
He added that the United States is suffering from a crisis of early deaths, saying that this is unusual for a wealthy nation.
BU experts said that the U.S. had lower mortality rates between the 1930s and 1950s. However, American deaths started increasing in the 1980s; steadily rising in the following years.
Based on their findings, excess deaths in the U.S. surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, reaching over 1 million in 2021 alone.
What Causes Missing Americans?
Boston University experts said that around 50% of Missing Americans were under the age of 65.
They said that these young deaths increased due to several factors. These include car crashes, STIs, suicide, drug abuse, diseases, as well as higher rates of homicide.
Researchers added that the increasing excess deaths show that the broad policy in the U.S. is a failure.
Steffie Woolhandler, a physician at the City University of New York, said that the government spends hundreds of billions on health insurers' paperwork and profits.
However, tens of millions of Americans still can't afford healthy food, affordable medical care, and a decent place to live in.
"Americans die younger than their counterparts elsewhere because when corporate profits conflict with health, our politicians side with the corporations," she added.
If you want to learn more about the new study about "Missing Americans," you can click this link.
