MORTALITY

What Was Measured?
The mortality rate and causes of death per 100,000 residents in San Mateo County, based on a three-year average are presented.  The statewide mortality rate is also provided.  Three year averages are used to reduce year-to-year fluctuations and to increase the stability of estimated events over a single year.

Why Is This Important?
A sustainable community works toward decreasing its preventable deaths and improving public health.  Mortality rates provide useful information on the health status of a community for those working in health promotion, preventive services, and long-term planning.  Fluctuations in mortality rates can indicate a need for analysis to determine causes and program changes.  For example, a rise in infant mortality could signal inadequate prenatal care and the need for health education programs.

What Was Found?
The mortality rate for all causes of death has decreased from an average 435.2 per 100,000 population in San Mateo County during 1989-1991, to 412 during 19911993.  Significant drops occurred in death rates from coronary heart disease, with a decrease of 10.2 deaths, as well as breast cancer, unintentional injury, and motor vehicle crashes.  Also, after rising between 1990-1992, both lung cancer deaths and infant mortality rates have shown a slight decrease.  However, homicide has increased since 1989, from an average rate of 5.7 to 7.4 during 1991-1993.  Deaths due to suicide and drugs have also risen slightly.

What Is The Trend?
San Mateo County's death rates have remained consistently lower than the state averages, with the exception of deaths due to breast cancer and strokes.  Though below state averages, there has also been an increase in the number of deaths due to preventable causes, such as homicides, suicides and drug-related deaths.

Source: County Health Status Profiles, Department of Health Services; and the California Conference of Local Health Officers.

Researcher: Carla Bagneschi