Aims: To compare age-adjusted mortality rates among Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) Hispanics to Texas non-Hispanic whites. Methods: Using data from the Texas Department of Health, we examined heart disease, cancer, and stroke mortality from 1980 through 1998. Results: Mortality rates for LRGV Hispanics were lower than for Texas whites for all three diseases. Per 100,000 persons in 1998, LRGV Hispanics experienced 86.9 fewer heart disease deaths, 45.3 fewer all-cause cancer deaths, and 35.6 fewer stroke deaths than Texas whites. Heart disease mortality among Texas whites has declined over the study period, but an increasing trend has been noted among LRGV Hispanics. Cancer mortality rates are also declining among Texas whites although rates are increasing among LRGV Hispanics. LRGV Hispanics have lower mortality rates than Texas whites for lung, prostate, breast, colon, and ovarian cancers, and for lymphoma. However, age-adjusted and age-specific cervical cancer mortality rates are higher among LRGV Hispanics than Texas whites. Over the study period, the difference in mortality rates has declined, primarily due to decreases in mortality rates among Texas whites and increases in mortality rates among LRGV Hispanics. Similar disturbing trends are noted for all three disease by age-specific mortality. Conclusion: LRGV Hispanics have lower age-adjusted mortality rates than Texas whites for heart disease, all-cause cancer and stroke. But the favorable profile seems to be eroding. It is important to identify factors influencing these changing relationships, especially in an area affected by non-documented immigrants and enhanced free-trade agreements. See www.sph.uth.tmc.edu:8055/sa/Research%20Projects/LRGV/LRGVHome.asp
Learning Objectives: 1. List describe changes in mortality comparing non-Hispanic White Texans and Hispanic Texas living in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. 2. Recognize the different trends in mortality between the two study populations. 3. Describe future areas of research that might identify factors influencing these different trends.
Keywords: Mortality, Hispanic
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.