Injury Mortality Patterns: Effects of Transition from the Soviet World versus withstanding the Global Recession, Based on the Estonian Case.

It is acknowledged that the level of injury mortality reacts quickly to socioeconomic changes. Transition from the Soviet system initially brought a two-fold rise from the average level of the 80’s to an injury SDR of 242 per 100000 in 1994 in Estonia (54 in EU). Thereafter the decline, both in total mortality and injury mortality, has been exemplary. The nature and success of reforms is the best explanation for differences among countries according to Vallin and Shkolnikov. During the Asian crisis of 1997/8 and especially the 2008/9 global recession, which had severe economic consequences, the trend did not change – injury SDR fell from 110 in 2007 to 77 in 2011.

Interestingly today, when the injury mortality is much lower, inherent characteristic features still remain in Estonia. The male/female ratio, globally around 2, has firmly stayed at 4-5 during past 20 years. Unlike in most countries where injury mortality is peaking in the oldest age group, a second peak at the age of 45-59 is evident.

There is a notable difference between cohorts during the transition – those born around 1955 were hit the hardest. Employed population has enjoyed a significant decline of injury deaths, unemployed have seen their situation stabilise.