Are Local Public Health Department Services Related to Racial Disparities in Mortality?:

摘要

Our study aim was to determine whether local health department (LHD) services were associated with U.S. racial disparities in 1993-to-2005 mortality rates. In a national sample of LHDs, we examined 10 LHD service domains and gaps in Blacka??White all-cause mortality rates, drawing data from the National Association of County and City Health Officialsa?? National Profile of Local Health Departments surveys, as well as mortality and other public data files. Two service domains, maternal/child health and other activities, were significantly associated with decreases in the Blacka??White mortality gap for 15- to 44-year-olds. The health services domain approached significance in decreasing this gap. Screening was associated unexpectedly with a significant increase in the Blacka??White mortality gap for 15- to 44-year-olds. Selected LHD services that are provided directly to individuals and are allocated by need may have particular benefit for reducing Blacka??White mortality disparities for U.S. adults aged 15 to 44.