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Show DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS The demographic characteristics of a given population provide a useful background in assessing its probable health status. The following tables and figures describe selected aspects of Utah's population and compare Utah with the nation. The sources for the data presented in this section can be found on pp. 82-84. The following summarizes a few demographics which are pertinent for evaluating health status and health care delivery. 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. As a consequence, Utah has the lowest median age in the nation. Utah's high proportion of young individuals is relevant to health issues because younger populations are generally healthier and utilize fewer health care resources. For example, young persons generally have shorter lengths-of-stay in hospitals. A younger population also confounds comparisons of mortality rates if the comparisons are crude rates rather than age-adjusted rates. Utah will typically have lower crude rates than age-adjusted rates, even if Utah's death rates for a particular age group are the same or even higher than those for the nation. Age-adjusting standardizes rates to a more uniform population distribution, thus adjusting for unusual age distributions. Thus, it is important to use age-adjusted rates when comparing Utah with the nation and when looking at trends (for more detail see Population by Age p. 7). Data are often reported in terms of gender. In some instances this distinction is necessary to make sense of the data, such as indicators relating to breast cancer. Examining data by sex helps to better understand the causes of that health event. For example, males have higher rates of mortality from suicide, homicide, and diseases of the heart (for more detail see pp. 23-35 of the Mortality Section). Another important factor for understanding health in Utah is the percentage of population in urban areas. Health care is generally more accessible to urban populations than to rural ones. Utah ranks as the sixth most urban state, with 87% of its total population classified as urban (for more detail see Access to Health Care pp. 70-72). Measuring the health status of minorities is important when assessing the population's health and when comparing Utah with other states. Generally, minority groups have had less access to high quality health care and are at an increased risk for health problems (for example, see Infant Mortality by Race/Ethnicity p. 21). With small minority populations, Utah may appear to be better off in some health measures. The number of single-parent and non-family households is increasing in Utah. This is particularly important for health considerations because single parent families typically have lower incomes. Those who are poorer typically have a higher risk of many diseases. They have more difficulty accessing the health care system and, when hospitalized, have longer lengths-of-stay. This relationship is cyclical, in that health problems frequently contribute to poverty. Finally, a slightly higher percentage of Utah's population has 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 good health practices. DEMOGRAPHICS |
