Background. The two overarching goals of Healthy People 2010 are increasing quality and span of life, and eliminating health disparities. Neither has been examined at the local level so that goal distance can be described and potential interventions prioritized. We empirically examine racial disparities in life span and disease-specific mortality at the county and regional level in North Carolina. Methodological issues are discussed. Method. We calculate age-adjusted years of potential life lost before age 75 then track trends in race and gender-specific, age-adjusted (U.S. 2000 Standard Million) mortality rates for leading causes of death at the county, region, and state levels from 1979 to 1997. Findings. North Carolina ranks 40th among the states in premature mortality. Eastern North Carolina (ENC), if it were a state, would rank 51st. Mortality rates for most causes of death are declining but insufficiently to achieve HP2010 objectives. Racial disparities are substantial and growing. The non-White to White disparity in heart disease mortality in the region grew over this period from 11% less to 19% more for men; from 2% less to 19% more for women. Among counties of ENC, racial disparity for heart disease ranges as high as 242% greater for men and 58% greater for women. High racial disparity also exists for other diseases, e.g. diabetes (-100% to +1,100%) and stroke (-52% to +309%. Conclusions. Mortality rates are declining substantially but racial disparities are increasing. These data provide important outcome measures for state policymakers, regional health care systems, and community health planning.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) will be able to: 1. Describe how life span and disparity in mortality can be measured at the local, regional and state level. 2. Evaluate how distant the two primary goals of HP2010 may be from the current health status of their state and local area. 3. Recognize and discuss methodological issues in measuring progress toward these goals
Keywords: Healthy People 2000/2010, Health Indices
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: DHHS. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.