Changes in life expectancy in Argentina 2019-2022

Abstract

Objective: This paper aims to describe changes in general mortality in Argentina, 2019-2022, based on vital statistics and the final results of the 2022 population census. Method: We applied the decomposing life expectancy at birth (LEB) method by sex, age, and cause of death. We took 2019 as the pre-pandemic point of comparison. Results: COVID-19 disease accounted for 14-19% of total deaths. LEB declined most sharply in 2021; in 2022, it recovered but did not reach the pre-pandemic level yet. Males lost more NLS (-2.8 years in 2021) than females (-2.3); however, in 2022, males were closer to the 2019 level (-0.5 and females -1 year). COVID-19 disease was the main cause of EVN’s decline, but its indirect effect increased in 2022. Deaths from tumors and external causes produced LEB improvements; however respiratory, cardiovascular and others deseases produced a negative impact from 2021 onwards. In that year, there was a temporary increase in maternal mortality due to COVID-19. Conclusion: Mortality due to COVID-19 has decreased in 2022, but its indirect effects require close monitoring in following years.