Demographics and Disease Sourcebook, Second Edition

"Demographics" encompass a broad range of factors including age, gender, socioeconomic status, and geographical location, which collectively influence health outcomes. Understanding these demographic dynamics is crucial for addressing disparities in health and disease prevalence. Based on stroke statistics by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is estimated that the risk of having a first stroke is twice as high for certain demographic groups compared to others. Similarly, prevalence rates of various diseases can vary significantly across different demographic categories. These differences underscore the importance of studying diseases and common conditions within the context of demographics to achieve health equity. Demographics and Disease Sourcebook, Second Edition provides comprehensive information on measuring the social determinants of health and barriers to health equity. The book examines the health status of diverse populations, addressing disparities in life expectancy, health literacy, and access to healthcare. It explores demographic disparities and genetic predispositions to disease, emphasizing the significance of family medical history. Furthermore, it delves into prevalent diseases such as diabetes, cancer, asthma, and chronic liver disease, considering their correlation with various demographic factors. The book also presents strategies aimed at improving healthcare accessibility and eliminating disparities, while offering guidance on patient rights, healthcare fraud prevention, and resources for additional support. Part 1: Understanding Demographics and Disease provides an overview of the influence of demographics on health outcomes, emphasizing the importance of considering demographic factors in health research. Part 2: Social Determinants of Health across Demographic Groups explores the impact of demographics on social determinants of health, covering areas such as early childhood development, education, employment, and community health networks. Part 3: Demographic Disparities in Health Status examines variations in health status indicators across different demographic groups, including mortality trends, barriers to education and employment, and healthcare utilization patterns. Part 4: Genetics/Genomics and Demographics discusses the role of genetics and family medical history in disease predisposition, highlighting genetic conditions specific to certain demographic groups. Part 5: Prevalence and Patterns of Common Conditions across Demographic Groups analyzes the prevalence and risk factors of common diseases in relation to demographics, encompassing conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, and cancer. Part 6: Strategies for Healthcare Improvement and Equity offers strategies to enhance healthcare accessibility and eliminate disparities, covering areas such as diet, tobacco cessation, and disease prevention and management. Part 7: Additional Help and Information includes a glossary of demographic and disease-related terms, as well as a directory of organizations providing support and assistance.