Reduction in life expectancy in Brazil after COVID-19

Brazil has been heavily affected by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this study, we used data on reported total deaths in 2020 and in January-April 2021 to measure and compare the death toll across states. We estimate a decline in 2020 life expectancy at birth (e(0)) of 1.3 years, a mortality level not seen since 2014. The reduction in life expectancy at age 65 (e(65)) in 2020 was 0.9 years, setting Brazil back to 2012 levels. The decline was larger for males, widening by 9.1% the female-male gap in e(0). Among states, Amazonas lost 60.4% of the improvements in e(0) since 2000. In the first 4 months of 2021, COVID-19 deaths represented 107% of the total 2020 figures. Assuming that death rates would have been equal to 2019 all-cause rates in the absence of COVID-19, COVID-19 deaths in 2021 have already reduced e(0) in 2021 by 1.8 years, which is slightly larger than the reduction estimated for 2020 under similar assumptions. New estimates of life expectancy at birth and at age 65 years in Brazil reveal substantial declines as a result of COVID-19, bringing mortality back to levels observed 20 or more years ago.

Automated summary

Brazil has been heavily impacted by COVID-19, with a significant increase in deaths in 2020 and 2021, leading to a decline in life expectancy and mortality levels not seen since 20 years ago.