Morbidity and mortality rates for the health condition or disease
Using CDC Wonder, choose a health condition or determinant, a specific place (county or state), and a time period (years). Review the data covering a 5–10-year period. Answer the following questions:
What are the morbidity and mortality rates for the health condition or disease?
Choose 1 year, and review the data by age, ethnicity, and gender. Do you observe any disparities within these groups?
What pattern or trend have you observed over the 5–10-year period?
What are the risk factors for the disease or health condition?
Does this information surprise you? If so, why?
How can these data be used to inform policy and prevention and intervention programs?
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.