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. 2023 Nov 24;15(11):e49340.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.49340. eCollection 2023 Nov.

A Comprehensive 16-Year Analysis of National Center for Health Statistics Data on the Top Three Causes of Death Before Age 75 by Sex, Race, and Hispanic Origin

Okelue E Okobi  1   2   3 , Patra C Ezeamii  4 , Victor C Ezeamii  4 , Oluwatosin B Iyun  5 , Tricia O Okoye  6 , Elochukwu U Nwachukwu  7 , Prosper I Oghenebrume  8
Affiliations

A Comprehensive 16-Year Analysis of National Center for Health Statistics Data on the Top Three Causes of Death Before Age 75 by Sex, Race, and Hispanic Origin

Okelue E Okobi et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive 16-year analysis of years of potential life lost (YPLL) due to leading causes of death in the United States, focusing on disparities by sex, race/ethnicity, and specific causes of death using the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) data.

Methods: Data from the NCHS spanning 2000-2016 were included. Age-adjusted YPLL rates per 100,000 population were analyzed, stratified by sex, race/ethnicity, and leading causes of death, including malignant neoplasms, heart disease, and cerebrovascular diseases.

Results: Over 16 years, the total YPLL rate was 7,036.2 per 100,000 population. Males had a higher YPLL rate (8,852.5 per 100,000) than females (5,259.9 per 100,000). Among racial/ethnic groups, Black/African Americans had the highest YPLL rate (10,896.8 per 100,000), followed by American Indian/Alaska Natives (7,310.0 per 100,000), Hispanics/Latinos (5,256.8 per 100,000), and Asians/Pacific Islanders (3,279.7 per 100,000). Leading causes included malignant neoplasms (1,451.6 per 100,000), heart diseases (1,055.4 per 100,000), and cerebrovascular diseases (182.3 per 100,000).

Conclusion: This analysis spanning 16 years highlights notable disparities in YPLL rates among different demographic groups. These differences are evident in the YPLL rates for males, which are higher than those for females. The YPLL rate is most pronounced among Black/African Americans, followed by American Indian/Alaska Natives, Hispanics/Latinos, and Asians/Pacific Islanders. The primary contributors to YPLL are malignant neoplasms, heart diseases, and cerebrovascular diseases. These findings emphasize the importance of addressing these disparities to enhance public health outcomes and mitigate the premature loss of life. Despite progress, disparities persist, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and further research.

Keywords: leading cause of death; national center for health statistics; sociodemographic variables; trend based analysis; years of potential life lost.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. YPLL age-adjusted rate based on sex
YPLL: Years of potential life lost
Figure 2
Figure 2. YPLL age-adjusted rate based on race
Figure 3
Figure 3. YPLL age-adjusted rate based on leading cause of death
YPLL: Years of potential life lost
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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