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Show DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS The demographic characteristics of a given population provide useful background in assessing its probable health status. To put Utah's health into perspective, the following tables and figures illustrate selected demographic characteristics of Utah to those of the U.S. The Economic Report to the Governor, 1992 (p. 125) summarizes data from the 1990 decennial census, and offers important demographic highlights. Utah had the ninth fastest growing population in the 1980's, with an increase of 17.9% for the decade. Utah's fertility rate is the highest in the nation, and although the difference is declining, it is still nearly one-third higher than the U.S. rate. This results in Utah having the lowest median1 age in the nation. This is relevant to health issues because younger populations are generally healthier and utilize fewer health care resources. For example, young persons have shorter lengths-of-stay in hospitals. A younger population also confounds comparisons of mortality rates if the comparisons are of "crude rates," rather than "age adjusted" rates. Utah will have lower crude rates, even if Utah's death rates for a particular age group are the same or even higher than those for the nation. This is why it is important to use age-adjusted rates when comparing Utah with the nation and when looking at trends. Single-parent and non-family households are increasing in Utah. This is particularly important for health considerations, because usually such families have lower incomes, and poverty is strongly associated with health problems. Those who are poorer suffer from more disease conditions and die younger. They also find it more difficult to access the health care system and, when hospitalized, have longer lengths-of-stay. This a reciprocal relationship, in that health problems also contribute to poverty. Female-headed households increased 53% between 1980 and 1990 in Utah. Many of these families experience special * Median - The middle point, that has as many cases above as below. difficulties in obtaining a livable family wage. These women and their children are particularly vulnerable to the health problems associated with low income. As this group continues to increase, so may the number of people who will qualify for Medicaid. Utah has a relatively small minority population. Minorities do, however, represent a rapidly growing segment of Utah's population. Measuring the health status of minorities is important in assessing the population's health, and comparing Utah with other states. Generally, minority groups have had less access to high quality health care and are at increased risk for health problems. Thus Utah, with smaller minority populations, may appear to be better off in health measures. Because Utah has a larger proportion of children under the age of 18 than any other state, education is of major concern. Utah has traditionally valued education. The state has a larger percentage of its population who have completed both high school and college than the national average. Education affects health in two ways: 1) those who have more education generally have access to better employment opportunities and employment-sponsored health insurance, and 2) those with more education tend to be more knowledgeable about what constitutes good health practices. Data are often reported by sex. In some instances this distinction is necessary to make sense of the data: for example, indicators related to childbearing and breast cancer. In other cases the distinction helps us understand problems: for example, males have higher rates of mortality from suicide, homicide, and diseases of the heart. Another issue of importance is urban and rural differences. The delivery of health care is generally more accessible to urban populations than to rural. Utah ranks sixth out of all states in level of urbanization, with 87% of its total population classified as urban. DEMOGRAPHICS |