Demographics and Disease Sourcebook, 2nd Edition

The word “demographics” encompasses various factors such as age, gender, socioeconomic status, and geographical location, which significantly affect health outcomes. Understanding these demographic dynamics is crucial for addressing health disparities and the prevalence of diseases. For instance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights that the risk of experiencing a first stroke can be twice as high in certain demographic groups compared to others. Such variations in disease prevalence across different demographic categories underscore the importance of studying health within the context of demographics to promote health equity.

Demographics and Disease Sourcebook, Second Edition provides a comprehensive overview of how demographic factors influence health. It examines social determinants of health, barriers to health equity, and the effects of socioeconomic status on health outcomes. The book explores health disparities related to race, ethnicity, and aging, along with genetic predispositions and the role of family medical history. It covers prevalent diseases like diabetes, cancer, asthma, and chronic liver disease, highlighting their correlation with demographic factors. Additionally, it presents strategies to improve healthcare access, address health inequities, and enhance cultural competence in health services. The book concludes with a glossary of terms and a directory of resources for further help and information.

Part 1: Understanding Demographics and Disease provides a foundational overview of how demographics affect health outcomes. It highlights the critical role of demographic factors in health research, addressing key areas such as aging, gender, race, and socioeconomic status.

Part 2: Social Determinants of Health across Demographic Groups delves into how various demographic factors affect social determinants of health. Topics include early childhood development, educational attainment, employment, and the role of social cohesion and community engagement in shaping health outcomes.

Part 3: Demographic Disparities in Health Status analyzes differences in health status indicators across diverse demographic groups. It covers mortality trends, barriers to health-care access, health-care utilization patterns, and the role of preventive health services and screening.

Part 4: Genetics/Genomics and Demographics focuses on the interplay between genetics, genomics, and demographic factors in determining health outcomes. It discusses genetic predispositions to disease, the importance of family medical history, and the specific genetic conditions prevalent in different demographic groups.

Part 5: Prevalence and Patterns of Common Conditions across Demographic Groups examines the prevalence and demographic risk factors associated with common health conditions. Topics include diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, asthma, and chronic liver disease, with a focus on how these conditions vary across different demographic categories.

Part 6: Strategies for Health-Care Improvement and Equity presents strategies for enhancing health-care access and achieving health equity. It covers topics such as cultural competence, health literacy, dietary guidelines, and community-based initiatives to promote physical activity and prevent chronic diseases.

Part 7: Additional Help and Information includes a glossary of terms related to demographics and health, as well as a directory of organizations and resources that provide support and information on health equity and disease prevention.