A comparative analysis of the mortality of the Americas

Abstract

The analysis concentrates on the mortality of adult population at ages 15 to 74 in 8 countries of the American continent. With few exceptions, these countries are those with the best information and lowest mortality. Temporary life expectancies and years of life lost are the indices used in the analysis. Results are presented by age, sex and principal groups of causes of death. It is concluded that: a) mortality can significantly decline further in the Americas; b) there are noticeable mortality differentials by cause among the countries; c) all the countries still have excess mortality in certain age groups and causes of death, and hence, the mortality transition has not ended. In most of the countries there are a great number of deaths from certain causes that could be avoided, mainly among the young adult ages.