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This study examines trends in deaths of despair across multiple countries, particularly before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Deaths of despair before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a comparative analysis of 27 European countries and the United States

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This study examines trends in deaths of despair across multiple countries, particularly before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Analyzed official cause-of-death statistics from 2011–2021 for 27 European countries and the U.S.
Estimated standardized death rates (SDRs) and standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) for despair-related deaths and sub-categories.
Compared data from pandemic years (2020-2021) with the preceding five years (2015-2019).
Most European countries saw stable or declining trends in despair-related deaths until the pandemic.
Increased deaths were observed in Eastern European countries and Ireland during the pandemic.
The U.S. experienced significantly higher rates of despair-related deaths compared to most European countries.

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Comparative analysis reveals trends in deaths of despair in 27 European countries and the U.S., suggesting the need for public health strategies.

Westerman et al. (2026) studied this question.

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Comparative analysis reveals trends in deaths of despair in 27 European countries and the U.S., suggesting the need for public health strategies.