January 15, 2019
The National Center for Health Statistics has released its annual report on the health status of the nation, prepared by the National Center for Health Statistics and submitted by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to the President and Congress. This year’s Health, United States special feature focuses on selected trends in mortality. Measures of mortality (numbers and death rates), together with life expectancy, describe the burden of illness and assess the health of a population. The headlines are below.
- In 2015, the first significant decrease in life expectancy at birth since 1993 was observed, and these declines have continued through 2016.
- The leading causes of death differ by age group. For those aged 1-44, unintentional injuries were the leading cause of death.
- For those aged 45 and over, heart disease and cancer are the leading causes of death.
- Three causes of death are the primary contributors to the recent decrease in life expectancy – drug overdose, suicide, and chronic liver disease.
- The age-adjusted death rate for drug overdose increased 72% between 2006 and 2016 to 19.8 deaths per 100,000 population in 2016.
- In 2016, age-adjusted drug overdose death rates varied by state, ranging from 6.4 deaths per 100,000 population in Nebraska to 52.0 deaths per 100,000 in West Virginia.
- Between 2006 and 2016, the age-adjusted suicide death rate increased from 11.0 to 13.5 deaths per 100,000 resident population.
- Chronic liver disease death rates increased by an average of 5.3% per year during 2012-2016 after an initial period during 2006-2012 of no change.
- From 2006 through 2016, death rates for chronic liver disease and cirrhosis increased the fastest among men and women aged 25-34.
The report also features detailed trend tables and charts displaying health statistics trends over time on birth rates, infant mortality, health conditions and health status, risk and protective factors, use of ambulatory and inpatient care, health personnel and facilities, financing of health care, health insurance and managed care, and other health topics. A variety of resources can be found on the Health, United States Web page, including the chart-book and trend tables. The report and additional materials are available online.
Please contact your Conner Strong & Buckelew account representative toll-free at 1-877-861-3220 with any questions.
