For four decades, the health of Americans has declined compared to 16 other high-income countries. A comprehensive report sponsored by the National Research Council and the Institute of Medicine, “U.S. Health in International Perspective: Shorter Lives, Poorer Health” (www.iom.edu/Reports/2013) analyzes wide-ranging data gathered from the 1990s to 2008 to determine causes for this decline. Canada, Japan, France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom and Australia are among the nations with whom we are contrasted.
Compared to our wealthy peers, Americans have shorter lifespans and worse health. The U.S. fares badly in nine areas:
• Adverse birth outcomes. We have a high infant mortality rate, low average birth weight and a lower likelihood that a child will reach age 5.
• Injuries and homicides. Both transportation and non-transportation accidents are increased along with homicide. Adolescents and young adults die at a higher rate than similar-aged residents of other nations.
• Adolescent pregnancy and sexually-transmitted diseases. We have higher rates in both categories.