Explaining the Heterogeneity of Health Outcomes in Post-Communist Europe

摘要: This chapter examines the trends and patterns in population health of former command economies Central Eastern Europe Former Soviet Union during past half century. Even following a period stagnation decline from 1960s to 1980s, few could have anticipated dramatic increases mortality morbidity that plagued large parts region early 1990s then developed into grave public crises what became known as ‘mortality belt’ countries Belarus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Russia Ukraine. These exhibited exceptionally high rates external cause cardiovascular-related deaths, which responded rapidly fluctuating economic fortunes were millions excess deaths 1990s, particularly among males. As recovery advanced 2000s, pattern divergence within itself set in. Some are now converging on Western standards, while others—notably Russia, Ukraine Belarus—remain closer those less world, despite their more industrial social welfare heritage. argues these material well-being, investment care, progressive policies important, these—and development generally—also interact with specific cultural, historical institutional factors shape outcomes we observe provide important lessons for comparative economics.