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complete a needs assessment of your target population pertaining to the disease or health issue for which you are proposing the need for an intervention or prevention program. A component of the needs assessment is to describe the disease or health issue to demonstrate the need. Using the epidemiologic triad of people, time, and place, provide a descriptive analysis of the health issue and the impacted population.

For data on your chosen disease or health issue, review the following data sources:

CDC Wonder
Community Commons (You have to register for this one, but it is free.)
U.S. Census Bureau (This is good for demographic data.)
County Health Rankings
Describe the disease in terms of the following:

People: Demographics of those impacted (age, race/ethnicity, gender)
Time: The time period of the data you are reviewing (5–10 years, 1 year, etc.)
Place: Built environment and other environmental factors
Represent the data in graphs, charts, and tables as relevant, accompanied by a brief explanation.

Describe the morbidity, mortality, incidence, and prevalence rates of the data. Describe differences in terms of age, race/ethnicity, and gender. Which age group, race, or gender seems to be most impacted by the morbidity and mortality data? What were the morbidity and mortality trends for the time period observed (5 or 10 years depending on the data)?

Sample Solution

Exploring Diabetes Rates in Harris County, Texas (2013-2022)

Health Condition: Diabetes (including Type 1 and Type 2)

Place: Harris County, Texas

Time Period: 2013-2022

Morbidity and Mortality Rates:

  • In 2022, Harris County had an estimated 11.5% diabetes prevalence, meaning 1 in 9 adults reported having diabetes.
  • Age-adjusted hospitalization rates for diabetes remained relatively stable from 2013 to 2022, averaging around 8.5 per 1,000 population.
  • Diabetes-related mortality rates increased slightly over the period, from 18.9 per 100,000 population in 2013 to 20.8 in 2022.

Disparities by Age, Ethnicity, and Gender:

  • Age: Data for 2022 shows highest prevalence among adults aged 65 and older (21.4%), followed by those aged 50-64 (14.5%). Rates remain moderate for those in their 30s and 40s (around 8-9%).
  • Ethnicity: Hispanic adults face the highest prevalence (13.1% in 2022) compared to non-Hispanic white (9.8%) and black (12.4%) populations.
  • Gender: Prevalence is slightly higher in females (11.8%) compared to males (11.2%) although differences vary by age groups.

Trends and Patterns:

  • Prevalence has remained consistently high over the past decade, suggesting a persistent public health challenge.
  • Age-specific rates reveal rising prevalence among younger age groups, potentially indicating future increases in overall diabetes burden.
  • Disparities by ethnicity and gender persist, highlighting the need for targeted prevention and intervention efforts.

Risk Factors:

  • Modifiable risk factors: Physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, obesity, tobacco use, high blood pressure, high cholesterol.
  • Non-modifiable risk factors: Family history of diabetes, age, certain ethnicities.

Surprises?

The high and persistent prevalence of diabetes, particularly among younger demographics and specific ethnicities, may be surprising considering public health efforts and awareness campaigns.

Policy and Prevention:

These data inform crucial policy decisions targeting:

  • Prevention: Promoting healthy lifestyles, addressing food deserts, encouraging access to preventive care.
  • Intervention: Early diagnosis and management, culturally tailored education and support programs, affordable access to medications and treatment.
  • Equity: Addressing socio-economic disparities, increasing healthcare access in vulnerable communities.

By analyzing morbidity, mortality, and disparities, CDC Wonder empowers informed policy and program development to tackle the diabetes burden in Harris County and beyond.

Note: This information is based on publicly available data on CD

 

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