Background. The two main goals of Healthy People 2010 are to eliminate health disparities and to increase lifespan. Although race-gender specific rates of premature mortality for different causes of death are commonly used to measure progress towards these goals, premature mortality rates are not routinely monitored at the state level. Methods. Calculate the crude rate of years of potential life lost before 75 (YPLL-75) for the five leading causes of premature mortality between 1975 and 1998 for non-white males, white males, non-white females, and white females in North Carolina. Results. Cancer, heart disease, unintentional injuries, and perinatal conditions have historically been major causes of premature mortality for each group examined. Rates of YPLL-75 have decreased for each of these causes except cancer, but rates of decline vary significantly by race and gender. Some causes and trends of premature mortality are unique to each group. Rates for cancer have decreased among men, but risen among women. Homicide and AIDS emerged as major causes of premature mortality among non-white males during the early 1990’s. Other groups were affected by AIDS, but to a lesser extent. Suicide has been a leading cause of premature mortality for whites, but not minorities. Stroke has historically been a leading cause of premature mortality for non-white females, but not for any other group. Conclusions. Though premature mortality rates for some leading causes of death have declined, greater attention to race and gender patterns of premature morality could lead to further gains in lifespan and reduced health inequities. See www.chsrd.med.ecu.edu
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: 1) Describe trends in premature mortality rates in North Carolina. 2) Discuss differences in leading causes of premature mortality for different segments of the population.
Keywords: Mortality, Minority Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
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.