A decline in adult mortality, ages 45-64, in Wisconsin over the last 20 years: is it enough?

INTRODUCTION

Decreasing mortality is an important objective of health improvement. We examined the progress in reducing overall mortality in Wisconsin over the last 2 decades in the age group spanning 45-64 years. Goals for reducing mortality and disparities in mortality by 2010 were addressed.

METHODS

We examined trends in all cause mortality for Wisconsin from 1980-1999 for ages 45-64. Mortality data was also examined by subgroups (race and gender) and cause. Mortality data was abstracted from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's WONDER.

RESULTS

From 1980-99, adults aged 45-64 experienced a 22% decline in mortality and, consequently, over 1720 lives were "saved" annually in Wisconsin in this age group between 1995-1999. Mortality in black men and women declined 8% and 10% respectively in this interval as compared to 27% for white males and 19% for white females (P<0.05 for all groups for temporal change in death rates). Significant declines in cardiovascular and cancer mortality were achieved. Deaths from injuries increased slightly. The black to white mortality ratio is projected to increase by 2010.

CONCLUSIONS

Wisconsin has done well in reducing overall mortality in persons 45-64 years of age over the last 2 decades. Future challenges include reducing health disparities between blacks and whites.