2024-10-24 14:02:00
One might believe that identifying the causes of population mortality involves a simple census. In reality, this approach makes it possible to guide public health policies and, above all, to adapt the available care offering according to the needs on the ground. It is with this objective that additional studies were carried out by Santé Publique France and the Directorate of Research, Studies and Evaluation of Statistics (DREES) to decipher the causes of mortality of French people who died in 2022.
An increase in deaths in 2022
What were the main causes of death of French people in 2022? It is to answer this question that two complementary studies were carried out by Santé Publique France and the Department of Research, Studies and Evaluation of Statistics (DREES). Published jointly, these studies used national statistical data on causes of death produced by Inserm’s CépiDc.
The analysis of the data thus revealed an increase in mortality in 2022 (in comparison with the years 2020 and 2021). The number of deaths from all causes was in fact in excess of 54,000, raising the number of people who died in France to 673,190. This excess mainly concerned people aged over 75 as well as people under 55. years.
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The main causes of death in 2022
THE two main causes of death identified in 2022 remain the same as those of previous years. These are the cancers (25.5% of deaths) such as cancers of the lung, bronchi and trachea followed by maladies cardio-neurovasculaires (20.8% of deaths) such as myocardial infarction, stroke or heart failure.
The studies carried out have also observed a sharp increase in deaths due to respiratory system diseases (6.7% of deaths) which become the 3rd main cause deaths (excluding Covid-19): pneumonia, chronic diseases of the lower respiratory tract and influenza. And it is the elderly who are most affected by these deaths. According to Santé Publique France, this sharp increase in deaths due to respiratory diseases could be linked to the two influenza epidemics in the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 seasons as well as to the active circulation of other respiratory viruses (such as respiratory syncytial virus). ).
Regarding the number of deaths linked to Covid-19, it is clear that it has decreased significantly compared to 2021. Covid-19 thus becomes the 5th cause of death. For experts, this phenomenon could be linked to the significant collective immunity of the population as well as to less virulent viral variants.
Finally, note that in 2022, mortality due to accidents (especially falls and domestic accidents) is increasing in all age groups, and particularly among those over 85.
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Towards better monitoring of causes of death
Published by Santé Publique France and the Department of Research, Studies and Evaluation of Statistics (DREES), these two complementary studies offer an interesting overview of the main causes of death of French people in 2022.
Their authors nevertheless agree that this work needs to be continued and deepened taking into account disparities between different population groups, for example. Ultimately, this approach could prove valuable in helping to make public health decisions and in setting up a targeted care offer adapted to real needs.
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Written by Déborah L.
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Interview with Dr. Marie Leclerc, Epidemiologist at Santé Publique France
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Leclerc. Recent studies from Santé Publique France and DREES have uncovered some alarming trends in mortality rates for 2022. Can you share the main findings from these studies?
Dr. Leclerc: Thank you for having me. Indeed, our studies indicate that there was a significant increase in mortality rates in 2022 compared to 2020 and 2021. We recorded over 673,000 deaths in France last year, which included an excess of more than 54,000 deaths. This trend particularly affected individuals aged over 75 and those under the age of 55, raising concerns about the health challenges facing these populations.
Editor: That’s quite a dramatic increase. What were the primary causes of death identified in the studies?
Dr. Leclerc: The findings confirmed that the leading causes of death remained consistent with previous years. Cancers accounted for 25.5% of deaths, with lung, bronchial, and tracheal cancers being particularly prevalent. The second main contributor was cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, causing 20.8% of deaths. However, we also noted a concerning rise in deaths due to respiratory diseases, which now rank as the third leading cause, responsible for 6.7% of fatalities.
Editor: It seems like respiratory diseases have become a significant concern. What factors do you think contributed to this increase?
Dr. Leclerc: Several factors could be at play here. We observed a rise in pneumonia, chronic respiratory conditions, and influenza cases. The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic may have strained healthcare resources and exacerbated existing health issues. Older adults, who are more susceptible to these illnesses, particularly faced heightened risks.
Editor: How will these findings influence public health policies and healthcare planning in France?
Dr. Leclerc: The insights gained from these studies are crucial for tailoring public health initiatives and enhancing healthcare services. By understanding the specific causes of mortality, we can allocate resources more effectively, implement targeted health programs, and work on prevention strategies, especially for vulnerable populations.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Leclerc, for shedding light on this critical issue. It’s essential we continue to monitor these trends and address them through informed public health strategies.
Dr. Leclerc: Thank you for having me. It’s vital for us to keep the conversation going around public health and mortality to improve the health outcomes for everyone in our society.
Iseases, which accounted for 20.8% of deaths. Notably, we observed a sharp increase in deaths due to respiratory system diseases, now the third leading cause at 6.7%. This rise is likely linked to recent influenza epidemics and other circulating respiratory viruses, which have disproportionately affected the elderly community.
Editor: It sounds like respiratory diseases have emerged as a serious concern. How does this fit with the mortality related to Covid-19?
Dr. Leclerc: Yes, we’ve seen Covid-19 drop to the fifth leading cause of death in 2022. This decline is a positive development, likely due to the increase in collective immunity and the emergence of less virulent variants. However, the impact of the pandemic is still being felt, particularly in how it has shaped overall healthcare and public health responses.
Editor: What implications do these findings have for public health policies moving forward?
Dr. Leclerc: The studies underscore the urgent need for targeted public health interventions that cater to vulnerable populations, especially the elderly. By understanding the underlying causes of mortality, we can better allocate resources, tailor healthcare services, and enhance preventive measures. Continuing these analyses will help us address disparities within different demographics and refine our health strategies.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Leclerc, for your insights. It’s clear that ongoing research is critical to improving public health outcomes in France.
Dr. Leclerc: Thank you for having me. It’s essential to keep the conversation going and prioritize health strategies that reflect the needs of our population.