Spatial analysis of diabetes mortality in Mississippi

Background: Ten years ago, Mississippi ranked in the middle of the United States in diabetes mortality, whereas today, diabetes is the 6th leading cause of death in the state, ranking No.2 in the country. Spatial analysis of geographic areas representing diabetes mortality have not been examined in Mississippi.

Objective: To identify counties in Mississippi with increased diabetes morality from 1990s.

Method: Ten-year average diabetes morality data by county for 1990s and 2000s were generated from the Mississippi Statistically Automated Health Resource System. Indirectly Standardized Mortality Rate was used for counties with deaths less than 20. ArcGIS 10.1 was used to identify counties with 20% to greater than 200% increase in diabetes mortality.

Results: Thirty-four counties in the North, West and South borders of the state showed an increase in diabetes mortality > 20% from 1990s. Twenty-two counties in the Northwest and South areas increased > 50%. In addition, counties in the Delta region showed an increase from 100% to > 200%.

Conclusion: There was a significant geographic difference in diabetes mortality across Mississippi. The data spatially displays counties that have contributed to high mortality rates. The results demonstrate the need for community-based diabetes prevention programs in these areas.