A study published in December in the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) has revealed the top causes of death for each county in the United States.
The study reviewed more than 80.4 million deaths in the US between 1980 and 2014. Deaths from heart problems are high in many areas while violent deaths or deaths from substance abuse are more prevalent in others.
Johnston County’s mortality rates and causes of death are similar to most counties in the United States. The mortality rates were measured by the number of deaths per every 100,000 people.
Top Causes Of Death In Johnston County, NC
#1 – Cardiovascular disease 288.06
#2 – (Cancerous) Tumors 206.43
#3 – Neurological disorders 87.79
#4 – Chronic respiratory diseases 58.87
#5 – Diabetes, urogenital, blood and endocrine diseases 57.89
#6 – Diarrheas, lower respiratory, and other common infectious diseases 32.86
#7 – Transport injuries (fatal accidents) 21.05
#8 – Self-harm and interpersonal violence 18.72
#9 – Cirrhosis and other chronic liver diseases 15.47
#10 – Mental and substance abuse disorders 7.78
The study found that the leading causes of death differs across the United States. High mortality rates for cancerous tumors were found in eastern Kentucky, western West Virginia and western Alaska, while the lowest death rates from cancer were found in Idaho, Wyoming, and north and western Texas.
The lowest suicide death rates were found in southwest Texas, southern California, New England and the upper Midwest. Wyoming had the highest suicide rate followed by Alaska, Montana, New Mexico and Utah.
Some of the highest death rates for accidents were found in South Dakota.
Rural counties had higher rates of smoking, obesity, child poverty and teen births than in urban areas.
Cardiovascular deaths were found to be particularly high in 6 counties in Kentucky.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, followed closely by cancer. Expects say by examining the death rates over three decades they hope to be able to improve public health and allow health providers to better understand the concerns of the areas they serve.
