Death rate variation in US subpopulations.
OBJECTIVE
To account for variations in death rates in population subgroups of the USA.


METHODS
Factors associated with age-adjusted death rates in 366 metropolitan and non- metropolitan areas of the United States were examined for 1990-92. The rates ranged from 690 to 1108 per 100 000 population (mean = 885 +/- 78 per 100 000).


RESULTS
Least squares regression analysis explained 71% of this variance. Factors with the strongest independent positive association were ethnicity (African-American), less than a high school education, high Medicare expenditures, and location in western or southern regions. Factors with the strongest independent negative associations were employment in agriculture and forestry, ethnicity (Hispanic) and per capita income.


CONCLUSIONS
Additional research at the individual level is needed to determine if these associations are causal, since some of the factors with the strongest associations, such as education, have long latency periods.
Kindig
David A
DA
Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53705-2397, USA. dakindig@facstaff.wisc.edu
Seplaki
Christopher L
CL
Libby
Donald L
DL
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D019352:Censuses; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005843:Geography; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015233:Models, Statistical; D009026:Mortality; D010820:Physicians / Q000600:supply & distribution; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012424:Rural Population; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014505:Urban Population