Measuring Health and Disease

BUS 599 CASE 4
May 9, 2020
Supplementary Assessment 2014
May 9, 2020

Measuring Health and Disease

As part of a State Budget and Appropriations Subcommittee, you have been charged with reviewing health data of local health jurisdictions and establishing priorities for funding for the upcoming fiscal year.
After reviewing the following information
Eagle Rock County    San Marino County    Baldwin County
Population
2,490,653    299,658    250,765
>65 years    372,166    99,885    2,857
Total Population    2,862,819    399,543    253,622
Number of Deaths
4955    900    1854
>65 yrs    9,845    3,700    455
Total Deaths    14,800    4,600    2,309
Cause of Death
Coronary Heart Disease    6,200    1,800    790
Cancer    3,300    1,000    429
Homicide    3,100    800    450
Motor Vehicle Accident    2,200    1,000    640
Case Assignment

1.    Calculate and compare the crude and age-specific death rates for each of the three counties (refer to the information Crude, Specific, and Adjusted Rates in the module homepage). Based on the crude death rate, which county appears to have the greatest need for funding? Does the age-specific death rate change your view regarding which county has a greater need for funding? Explain. Why is it possible to have a low crude rate and higher age-specific death rates?
2.    Calculate and compare the cause-specific death rates (Use the information at http://www.pitt.edu/~super1/lecture/lec0441/001.htm from your background readings). For this, combine data from all counties. Based on the data provided, what do you think are the main health priorities?