For February’s Snapshot, we decided to take a look at how mortality rates from the leading causes of death have improved or worsened over time, and explore any disparities by race and age. We then took it a step further by delving into the question that has been circulating national headlines: Why is the mortality rate for middle-aged Whites skyrocketing? And do we see this trend in metro Atlanta?
While there were many interesting findings, here are just a few of the highlights from our research below:
- Overall, the age-adjusted death rates for the three leading causes (Cardiovascular, Cancers, Respiratory diseases) of death are declining for both Whites and Blacks since 1997.
- Blacks still have higher age-adjusted death rates than Whites for Cardiovascular (i.e. Hypertension, Stroke, Heart Attacks) and Cancers, but the gap has narrowed significantly.
- Whites have higher age-adjusted death rates than Blacks for Respiratory diseases (i.e. Flu, Bronchitis, Pneumonia), and that gap has widened.
- In looking at the 40-54 age cohort specifically, the death rate for Blacks of this age has declined significantly since 1997. Thus the gap between the groups has narrowed dramatically.
- In 1999, the death rates for drug overdoses for Blacks age 40-54 were three times as high as the death rate for white drug overdoses. Today (2014), the death rate for White drug overdoses is higher than the death rate for Black drug overdoses.
To see the full Snapshot, scroll through below. Or print it out here.
To get a quick overview, check out our infograph here!