FW275 Health Trends

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Chapter 10Current Societal Health Trends


Introduction A century ago, physical inactivity was not a

contributing factor to any of the major problems experienced by the populace of the United States

Fast forward 100 years…….


Historical Context for Health in the U.S. 100 years ago

Mortality statistics Mortality rate--the number of people who die in a

given number of people Infant mortality rate--100 out of 1000 died within one

year Maternal mortality rate--six to nine per 1000 live births


Historical Context for Health in the U.S. 100 years ago

Life expectancy statistics 47.3 years in the U.S. 31years in the world

Causes of mortality Infectious/Communicable diseases such as

pneumonia, influenza, tuberculosis, and dysentery


Health of the U.S. Population Today Currently

Infant Mortality--6.9 out of 1000 live births die within one year

Life Expectancy--77.5 years Causes of Mortality--Chronic, degenerative

diseases such as heart disease, cancer, cerebrovascular disease, and respiratory disease


Leading causes of death by percentage of total deaths in 1900 Pneumonia and influenza Tuberculosis Diarrhea and enteritis Heart disease Cerebrovascular disease Accidents Cancer Senility Diphtheria


Leading causes of death by percentage of total deaths in 2004 Heart disease Cancer Cerebrovascular disease Respiratory disease Accidents Diabetes Alzheimer’s disease Pneumonia and influenza Kidney disease Septicemia


Health of the U.S. Population Today First Health Revolution

Improvement in general standard of living, nutrition, basic sanitation, hygiene, and water quality

Resulted in a significant decrease in morbidity and mortality due to communicable diseases


Health of the U.S. Population Today Pharmacologic Revolution

Discovery of antibiotics 1928--Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin 1930’s--Sulfa drugs 1940’s--Streptomycin, and other antibiotics

Vaccines


Current Influences on Population Health Two Major Demographic Trends

Population of the country is more diverse Aging of the population


Current Influences on Population Health Demographic Trends

Diversity of our country Different racial, ethnic, and cultural groups have

different rates of prevalence for individual diseases and illness

Varying health beliefs that affect prevention or treatment of health conditions

Health providers must be attentive to issues relating to cultural, lifestyle, and genetic factors in different segments of the population


Current Influences on Population Health Demographic Trends

Aging of the Population In 1900, the 65-plus age group was only 4% By 2050, the 65-plus age group will be over 20% The 75-plus age group has been growing also This leads to an increased prevalence of chronic and

degenerative diseases


Solutions to Health Problems Five categories of health determinants

Health behavior Environment Interventions and policies Access to care Biology


Five Categories of Health Determinants Health Behavior

The most important category The category over which individuals have the

most control Nurses’ Health Study


Five Categories of Health Determinants Environment

Negative physical environment: Pollutants, toxic substances, infectious agents, and

unsafe conditions Social environment:

Influence and health habits of coworkers, friends, families, and institutions such as churches and schools


Five Categories of Health Determinants Inventions and policies

Government and health or social service groups’ programs and campaigns to improve health Laws requiring immunizations, seat belt use, and child

restraint devices Stop smoking, breast feeding campaigns


Five Categories of Health Determinants Access to Health Care

Variable across the nation Affordability Persons who are both able to find and afford

health care are likely to have better health than those who are not


Five Categories of Health Determinants Biology

Produces or contributes to many health conditions Includes genetic make up Aging process Exposure to tobacco, alcohol, or toxic agents can

alter biology


U.S. Goals for Improving Health of the Population Healthy People 2010

Document of specific goals and objectives for health improvement

Two main, general goals Increase both the quality and the length of life Eliminate disparities in the health status of different

subgroups of the population


Top Ten Health Goals of Healthy People 2010 Physical activity Overweight and obesity Tobacco use Substance abuse Responsible sexual behavior Mental health Injury and violence Environmental quality Immunization Access to healthcare


U.S. Goals for Improving Health of the Population The Surgeons General’s Report on Physical Activity

and Health (1996) Greatest health benefit-- consistently active five days per

week Does not need to be vigorous activity Helps to prevent or reduce the risk of:

Heart disease High blood pressure High cholesterol Cancers Type 2 diabetes