Our Picture of Health 1998:
Focusing on Community Health to the Year 2000

CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

CHRONIC ILLNESS AND DEATH (PART 2)

44. Infant Death Rates

The Healthy People 2000 goal is to reduce infant mortality to no more than 7 per 1,000 live births.

Mesa County's infant mortality rate is higher than state and national rates. However, a small number of births may account for the greater variability in infant death rates than are seen in the state and national statistics.

A combination of many factors, including medical care, genetics, environment and parenting skills influence whether a baby dies before its first birthday. Infant mortality reflects the extent to which pregnant women and babies are subjected to negative conditions such as poverty and an unhealthy environment.

May link to . . .

  • Education
  • Environment
  • Social Support
  • Lack of Prenatal Care

Figure 7-17: Infant Death Rate
 Source: Colorado Vital Statistics, 1996

Infant Death Rate

45. Suicide Death Rate

The Healthy People 2000 goal is to reduce suicides to no more than 10.5 per 100,000 people.

Between 1992 and 1996, the suicide rate ranged between 15.6 to 28.6 per 100,000 population. Suicide occurs in all age ranges in Mesa County; children as well as seniors are susceptible.

Mesa County's age-adjusted death rate is generally higher than state and national rates. Problems such as depression, schizophrenia, stress reactions, and drug and substance abuse may lead to suicide.

May link to . . .

  • Social Support
  • High Stress
  • Social Support
  • Economic Well-Being

Figure 7-18: Age-Adjusted Death Rate for Suicide
 Source: Colorado Vital Statistics, 1996

Age-Adjusted Death Rate for Suicide

46. Unintentional Injury Death Rate

The Healthy People 2000 goal is to reduce deaths from unintentional injuries to no more than 29.3 per 100,000 people.

The five-year average of 33.75 deaths per 100,000 people is higher for Mesa County than for the state and nation but is beginning to come down.

Unintentional injuries are the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. Nationally, motor vehicle accidents account for about half of these deaths. More males than females are likely to die from unintentional injuries.

The top five causes of emergency room visits in Mesa County are: suturing of all kinds, finger wounds, ear infections, sprained necks, and headaches.

May link to . . .

  • Demographics
  • Lifestyle
  • Environment

Figure 7-19: Age-Adjusted Death Rate Unintentional Injury
 Source: Colorado Vital Statistics, 1996, Colorado Hospital Association

Age-Adjusted Death Rate Unintentional Injury

47. Motor Vehicle Accident Death Rate

The Healthy People 2000 goal is to reduce the age-adjusted MVA death rate to 16.8 per 100,000 people.

The age-adjusted death rate from MVA appears to be declining, having dropped from 25.2 to 19.0 per 100,000 people. However, Mesa County's rate is higher than state or national rates. This data does not reflect the morbidity related to these accidents, nor does it differentiate automobile fatalities from motorcycle, pedestrian and bicycle fatalities.

May link to . . .

  • Transportation
  • Substance Abuse
  • Environment

Figure 7-20: Age-Adjusted Death Rate, Motor Vehicle Injuries
 Source: Colorado Vital Statistics, 1996

Age-Adjusted Death Rate, Motor Vehicle Injuries

48. Other Death Rates

Figure 7-21 shows some other causes of death. While these deaths are relatively few, the rates allow comparison of Mesa County with the state and nation.

Firearm deaths link to suicide, as well as to crime and unintentional injury. Liver disease and alcohol induced deaths are linked with alcohol abuse.

Key to Figure 7-21:

  • Pneum — Pneumonia/Influenza
  • Guns — Injury by firearms
  • Diabetes — Diabetes Mellitus
  • Liver Disease — Chronic Liver and Cirrhosis
  • Alzh. — Alzheimer's Disease
  • Alc. — Alcohol-induced Deaths
  • Hom. — Homicide or Legal Intervention
  • Cong. An. — Congenital Anomalies
  • Drug-Induced — Drug-Induced

Figure 7-21: Death Rates for Other Causes, per 100,00 population
 Source: Colorado Vital Statistics, 1996

Death Rates for Other Causes, per 100,00 population

49. Pediatric Asthma Admissions

Children's admissions to hospitals for asthma indicates the serious impact this disease can have on the lives of children and their families.

May link to . . .

  • Air Quality
  • Cigarette Smoking

Figure 7-22: Number of Hospital Admissions for Pediatric Asthma
 Source: Colorado Hospital Association

Number of Hospital Admissions for Pediatric Asthma
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