Trends in mortality of the WHO-recommended diseases for palliative care in the Republic of Korea, 2014–2023

Background: The global burden of diseases requiring palliative care is increasing due to aging populations and rising non-communicable diseases. The WHO predicts an 87% increase in serious health-related suffering by 2060. In the Republic of Korea, more than half of the leading causes of death require palliative care. This study aims to analyze 10-year mortality trends and changes in places of death for WHO-recommended diseases requiring palliative care. Materials and methods: This study analyzed Cause of Death Statistics and Resident Registration Population Statistics from 2014 to 2023, provided by the Ministry of Data and Statistics (MDAS). Age-standardized rates (ASR) and annual percentage changes (APC) were calculated to examine mortality trends by demographic and geographic factors. Results: The total number of deaths of the due to WHO-recommended diseases requiring palliative care increased by 16.4%, while the trends for ASR is decreasing. In particular, as deaths at home began to increase around 2019, the previous downward trend was reversed, and a significant sex gap was observed. Conclusion: The increasing mortality burden from WHO-recommended diseases highlights the urgent need for expanded palliative care services in the Republic of Korea. While age-standardized mortality rates have generally declined, the rise in home-based deaths and continued demographic shifts reflect the importance of targeted interventions and improved access to home-care services.