Epidemiological transitions in the Formerly Socialist Economies: divergent patterns of mortality and causes of death.

Abstract

The authors examine levels trends and patterns of causes of death in the Formerly Socialist Economies a region consisting of Eastern Europe and the New Independent States. The focus is on identifying the patterns that may explain [the regions] unusual mortality experience.... [One section] presents results of the analysis with respect to mortality patterns and years of life lost. This is followed by discussion of the unique mortality trends and cause-of-death patterns in the region of the Formerly Socialist Economies that includes the northern European former Soviet republics. The final section presents conclusions. (EXCERPT)