Health Determinants-Morbidity and Mortality Rates for the Health Condition or Disease

Health Determinants-Morbidity and Mortality Rates for the Health Condition or Disease

Morbidity and Mortality Rates

The selected health determinant is infant deaths. Morbidity and mortality rates are based on data recorded between 2011 and 2020. The selected state is Alabama. Notably, 4744 infant deaths were recorded in this state during this period (CDC.gov, n.d.). On the other hand, the number of births recorded was 587,163 (CDC.gov, n.d.). As such, the death rate per 1000 people is 8.08 (CDC.gov, n.d.). This is calculated by dividing the number of deaths by the number of births and multiplying the outcome by 1000. Do you need help with your assignment ? Hire our assignment writing services in case your assignment is devastating you.

Age, Ethnicity, Gender, and Disparities

The year 2020 is selected for the evaluation of gender, age, and ethnicity. Regarding gender, the mortality rates recorded among males are 8.27 deaths per 1000 people and 5.66 deaths per 1000 people among females (CDC.gov, n.d.). Regarding age, the mortality rate recorded among infants aged under 1 hour is 0.85 deaths per 1000 people (CDC.gov, n.d.). Also, the mortality rate recorded among infants aged 1 to 23 hours is 1.35 deaths per 1000 people (CDC.gov, n.d.). Furthermore, the mortality rate recorded among infants aged 1 to 6 days is 0.8 deaths per 1000 people (CDC.gov, n.d.). In addition, the mortality rate recorded among infants aged 7 to 27 days is 0.92 (CDC.gov, n.d.). Lastly, the mortality rate recorded among infants aged 28 days to 364 days is 3.07 (CDC.gov, n.d.). Regarding ethnicity, the mortality rate among African Americans is 10.71 deaths per 1000 people, whereas among whites, it is 5.26 deaths per 1000 people (CDC.gov, n.d.).

Disparities in infant mortalities exist within gender, ethnicity, and age groups. African-Americans account for the highest mortality rates, whereas whites have the second highest mortality rates. American Indians, Asians, and Native Hawaiians have the lowest mortality rates. Furthermore, the mortality rate is higher in males compared to females. The mortality rate increases with an increase in the infant’s age.

Pattern or Trend

Infant mortality rates in Alabama have fluctuated over the past 10 years. The highest mortality rates were recorded in 2016 (9.03 deaths per 1000 people) (CDC.gov, n.d.). The lowest mortality rates were recorded in 2018 (6.94 deaths per 1000 people) (CDC.gov, n.d.). A decrease in mortality rates was observed for four consecutive years, from 2012 to 2015. After that, the mortality increased in 2016, followed by a decline from 2017 (7.38) to 2018 (6.94) (CDC.gov, n.d.). The mortality rate increased in 2019 (7.71), followed by a decline in 2020 (6.99) (CDC.gov, n.d.).

Risk Factors

Various factors increase the risk of infant mortalities. To begin with, a lower maternal age increases the risk of infant death. For instance, the highest mortality rate is among those aged below 15 years (CDC.gov, n.d.). Secondly, a low birth weight increases the risk of mortality rates. For example, the highest mortality rates in Alabama have been recorded among birthweight of less than or equal to 499 grams (CDC.gov, n.d.). Thirdly, plurality increases the risk of infant deaths. The risk is higher in twins, triplets, or more births compared to single births. Fourthly, gestational age impacts infant mortalities. The highest mortality rates are recorded in infants with a gestational age of fewer than 20 weeks (CDC.gov, n.d.). As earlier stated, the risk is highest among African Americans in Alabama. The other risk factors include medical conditions in the perinatal period, birth defects, and pregnancy complications (CDC.gov, 2022).

The majority of this information does not surprise me. The risk factors for infant mortalities, such as maternal age, gestational age, and plurality, are consistent with my expectations. Furthermore, the disparities among genders and ethnicities are consistent with my expectations. However, I did not expect a fluctuation in mortality rates from 2011 to 2020. I expected a marked decrease in mortality rates through these years.

Policy and Prevention and Intervention Programs

These data can be used to guide policies and intervention programs. To begin with, data on the risk factors will enable stakeholders to formulate relevant prevention programs. For instance, pregnancies among teenagers (lower maternal age) can be prevented by public education and availing effective contraceptive methods. Also, healthcare providers should formulate policies that aim to provide specialized care to populations such as multiple births, low birth weights, and infants born at a low gestational age.

 References

CDC.gov. (2022). Infant Mortality. https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/maternalinfanthealth/infantmortality.htm

CDC.gov. (n.d.). Linked Birth / Infant Death Records, 2007-2020 Results Deaths occurring through 2020. https://wonder.cdc.gov/controller/datarequest/D69;jsessionid=

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Primary Discussion Responses are due by Thursday (11:59:59pm Central), and Peer Responses are due by Saturday (11:59:59pm Central).

Primary Task Response: Within the Discussion Board area, write 400–600 words that respond to the following questions with your thoughts, ideas, and comments. This will be the foundation for future discussions with your classmates. Be substantive and clear, and use examples to reinforce your ideas.

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 prevention and intervention programs?
Responses to Other Students: Respond to at least 2 of your fellow classmates with at least a 100–200-word reply about their Primary Task Response regarding items you found to be compelling and enlightening. To help you with your discussion, please consider the following questions:

What did you learn from your classmate’s posting?
What additional questions do you have after reading the posting?
What clarification do you need regarding the posting?
What differences or similarities do you see between your posting and other classmates’ postings?
For assistance with your assignment, please use your textbook and all course resources.

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