Select a database from NCHS or complete a query using CDC WISQARS. Select a specific health concern or injury using the population of your choice. Be sure not to limit your query so you have enough data to evaluate, and include a substantial time frame so you are able to identify trends. Submit a 750-1,000 word report that provides an overview the database or query results. The report should consist of a demographic description of the chosen population including a review of noticeable trends in morbidity and/or mortality by race, gender, and geographic location where specified. Based on the results and possible trends, present the implications for public health intervention or involvement. In your report, include considerations of basic ethical and legal principles pertaining to the collection, maintenance, use, and dissemination of epidemiologic data. Focus on privacy and security issues surrounding protected health information and how HIPAA protects the confidentiality of the patient. Consider the ethical implications of whether public health organizations have too much latitude in the use and dissemination of epidemiologic data. Use examples and evidence to support your report. Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required. This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion. You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite

Introduction

The National Center for Health Statistics collects and publishes information on different health problems and injuries that affect various populations. Suicide is a major health concern that continues to impact the United States. The tenth most common cause of death in America is suicide. In 2018, there were more than 48,000 cases. (CDC 2020). This report provides an overview of suicide statistics in America from NCHS and highlights trends in mortality and morbidity by gender, race and geographical location. It will include information on the potential implications for public health interventions and involvement, as well as the ethical and legal guidelines pertaining to collection, maintenance and use of epidemiological data.

Database Description

Through the National Vital Statistics System of the United States (NVSS), data is available on suicides in the United States by the NCHS. The NVSS records vital information such as deaths and births. The NVSS includes information about the underlying and contributing causes to death in the Mortality Multiple Cause Files. The MMCF database contains data from all 50 US states and District of Columbia. These data were collected by the NCHS which compiles and analyzes them. The NCHS publishes an annual report on suicide statistics (CDC 2020).

Trends in Mortality & Morbidity

Suicide can be a complicated health problem and affects all ages, races, genders, as well as sexes. The MMCF database shows that there were 47 173 suicides in America in 2019 with an adjusted suicide rate (14.5 for every 100,000 people) (CDC, 2021). According to the CDC 2020, suicide rates have increased by 35% between 1999 and 2018.

Gender Differences

According to CDC, 2021, male suicide rates were significantly higher in 2019 (22.9 per 100,000) and females (6.9 per 100,000). These data show that male suicide rates have always been greater than females, across all age categories. Most significant gender differences can be seen among people aged 45 to 54 years. Here, the male suicide rate nearly quadruples that of those who are females.

There are differences in race and ethnicity

Significant racial-ethnic disparities are also evident in the suicide rates according to MMCF data. Whites had the highest suicide rate at 16.9 per 100,000, followed by American Indian/Alaska Natives (15.4 per 100,000) et non-Hispanic Blacks (6.3 per 100,000) population (CDC, 2021). Hispanics, Asians or Pacific Islanders had suicide rates of 6.0 and 5 per 100,000 respectively. These data show that suicide rates have increased in all ethnicities over the period 2009 to 2019, but the highest increases were seen among American Indian/Alaska Natives and White populations.

Geographic differences

The United States’ suicide rate is also affected by geographic location. According to MMCF data the states with the highest suicide rates are the West, which includes Montana, Wyoming New Mexico and Idaho. However, rates in Northeastern states were lower (CDC, 2021). These data show that suicide rates have increased in all 50 states. The highest increase was seen in Western and Midwestern States.

What does this mean for you?