Gender gap in life expectancy: The challenge of male mortality in the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic has experienced a remarkable advance in the longevity of its population over the last seven decades. However, this progress has highlighted a persistent inequality: Dominican women live, on average, more than six years longer than men. According to data from the National Statistics Office (ONE), this disparity is mainly due to the high incidence of premature deaths in the male population caused by preventable factors.
By the end of 2022, life expectancy at birth stood at 77.90 years for women and 71.53 years for men, consolidating an overall indicator of 74.74 years. This trend is not new, but it has remained constant, going from a difference of barely two years in 1950 to exceeding six years today.
Determining factors: Accidents and violence
Lifestyle and external causes play a critical role in the reduction of male life expectancy. Men account for more than 80% of deaths from external causes, a group that encompasses road accidents, homicides, and suicides. Mortality statistics highlight a worrying reality:
- Traffic accidents: In 2024, the country recorded 1,961 deaths on the roads, being the deadliest period since 2010; nearly 87% of the victims were men.
- Violence and suicides: The male homicide rate reached 20.64 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in 2023. Similarly, 87% of suicides in the country are committed by males.
The high concentration of accidental and violent deaths in the young and adult male population is the determining factor that prevents many men from reaching the longevity that Dominican women enjoy today.
Demographic achievements and future projection
Despite these figures, the country has achieved significant milestones in public health, with the reduction in infant mortality being the main driver of the demographic leap. In 1950, 159 children under one year of age died for every 1,000 live births, a figure that dropped drastically to about 18 in 2022. Although the COVID-19 pandemic caused a temporary interruption in the life expectancy growth trend, the country has resumed its path toward recovery.
The ONE’s demographic projections suggest that the gender gap will persist throughout the century. It is estimated that by the year 2099, male life expectancy will reach 88.85 years, while female life expectancy will reach 93.96 years. Given this scenario, the great challenge for Dominican authorities and society remains the implementation of effective prevention policies that reduce early mortality in men and promote a culture of road safety and mental health.
