Ethnic differences in mortality in England and Wales after the pandemic

Mortality rates in England and Wales have undergone remarkable changes over the past five years, with the pandemic bringing a surge not seen since the second world war, and big differences between ethnic groups.12 With the pandemic over, it’s timely to review ethnic differences in mortality before, during, and since the pandemic, and likely changes in the future.

In the decade before the pandemic, all-cause mortality in England and Wales was lower (and life expectancy higher) in most ethnic minority groups compared with the White British group.34 This reflected lower mortality from several leading causes of death (eg, cancer, dementia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) among ethnic minorities, although these groups experienced higher mortality from some causes (eg, cardiovascular disease and diabetes).4 Lower overall mortality in ethnic minority groups could result from several factors, including the “healthy migrant effect,”5 whereby healthier people are more likely to migrate, and cultural differences leading to lower rates of smoking and alcohol consumption.6

This pattern …