Is Austerity Responsible for the Stalled Mortality Trends Across Many High-Income Countries? A Systematic Review.

ABSTRACT: This article systematically reviews evidence evaluating whether macroeconomic austerity policies impact mortality, reviewing high-income country data compiled through systematic searches of nine databases and gray literature using pre-specified methods (PROSPERO registration: CRD42020226609). Eligible studies were quantitatively assessed to determine austerity's impact on mortality. Two reviewers independently assessed eligibility and risk of bias using ROBINS-I. Synthesis without meta-analysis was conducted due to heterogeneity. Certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE framework. Of 5,720 studies screened, seven were included, with harmful effects of austerity policies demonstrated in six, and no effect in one. Consistent harmful impacts of austerity were demonstrated for all-ca

SUBMITTER: Broadbent P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11437704 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature