Talnabrunnur - Issue 9 2024

-Automatic translation

The issue covers mortality rates and causes of death in 2023, as well as the report Health at a Glance: Europe 2024.

Mortality and causes of death 2023

Overall mortality rates were lower in 2023 compared to 2022, which had higher rates than previous years due to deaths caused by COVID-19. The most common causes of death among men remain circulatory system diseases, while the most common causes of death among women are cancers. External causes of injury and poisoning, including accidents and suicides, were the leading causes of death for individuals under the age of 35, whereas diseases of the circulatory system were the leading causes of death for those over 80. This time, potential years of life lost—defined as deaths occurring before the age of 80—was calculated. Among men, most life years were lost due to accidents and suicides, while among women, cancer was the leading cause of life years lost.

Health at a Glance: Europe 2024

The OECD report Health at a Glance: Europe 2024 was published in November. This publication provides statistical comparisons on, e.g., health status, risk factors, health care systems and healthcare activities, as well as addressing two specific themes. The thematic chapters cover, on the one hand, challenges related to healthcare workforce and, on the other, healthy longevity.

Authors of the articles are Sigríður Haraldsd. Elínardóttir, Jón Óskar Guðlaugsson and Guðrún Kr. Guðfinnsdóttir.

Further information
Kjartan Hreinn Njálsson, Assistant to the Medical Director of Health
kjartan.h.njalsson@landlaeknir.is