One striking feature revealed by mortality data in East Asia is the region’s remarkable longevity. Countries such as Japan and South Korea consistently rank among the top nations globally in life expectancy. This longevity can be attributed to factors such as a well-developed healthcare infrastructure, a focus on preventive healthcare, and traditional dietary practices. Below we explain how mortality data shapes public health in East Asia.
Infectious Disease Control and Preparedness
East Asia has experienced significant success in managing infectious diseases, a crucial aspect underscored by mortality data. Rapid responses to outbreaks, efficient healthcare systems, and strong public health measures have contributed to relatively low mortality rates during infectious disease events. The experiences of countries like Taiwan and South Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic showcase the effectiveness of proactive measures in mitigating health crises. The regions exhibited strict travel restriction, proper civil registration and surveillance of the disease that led to an efficient and effective response to struggling areas, and provided an abundance of resources and information to inform the public of how to keep themselves safe as the disease spread.
Mental Health
Mortality data in East Asia increasingly incorporates insights into mental health, an area gaining recognition for its impact on overall well-being. Stressors associated with rapid societal changes, educational pressures, and work-related stress have prompted a closer look at mental health indicators. East Asian countries are estimated to have some of the most stressful work environments in the world, understanding mortality trends related to mental health issues allows for the development of support systems and interventions to address this crucial aspect of public health.
Traditional Medicine
In East Asian countries specifically, there is an abundance of use for traditional medicine. Mortality data reflects the coexistence of modern healthcare practices with traditional medicine. The data has shown that the increased concentration of traditional methods in East Asian countries may be the cause of increased mortality rate when treating certain diseases. Understanding the interplay between these approaches contributes to a more holistic perspective on healthcare in the region.
References
https://academic.oup.com/heapro/article/33/3/536/2623366?login=true
https://hub.jhu.edu/2020/05/13/east-asian-response-to-coronavirus/
https://www.who.int/southeastasia/health-topics/mental-health
