Definition
Deaths among persons identified as Asian on their death certificateNumerator
Number of deaths among AsiansDenominator
Number of Asians in the populationData Interpretation Issues
Death rates for Asian persons should be interpreted with caution because of inconsistencies in reporting race on the death certificate as compared with race on censuses, surveys, and birth certificates. Studies have shown underreporting on death certificates of Asian decedents as well as undercounts of this group in the censuses. Nationally, studies have shown a 3% net underreport on death certificates for the Asian and Pacific Islander population.[https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/series/sr_02/sr02_172.pdf ^1^]Why Is This Important?
Analysis of mortality by race/ethnicity is essential to the elimination of health disparities.How Are We Doing?
Death rates for both male and female Asians are generally declining. The leading causes of death among Asians in New Jersey in 2019 were:
#cancer
#heart disease
#stroke
#diabetes
#unintentional injuries
#septicemia
#kidney disease
#Alzheimer's disease
#chronic lower respiratory diseases (CLRD)
#influenza and pneumoniaWhat Is Being Done?
Health equity is a priority in the [https://www.state.nj.us/health/chs/hnj2020/documents/ship2020.pdf 2020 New Jersey State Health Improvement Plan] and a guiding principle of the [https://healthy.nj.gov/2030/topics-objectives/cross-cutting-issues/equity/ Healthy New Jersey 2030] initiative.Health Program Information
NJDOH Office of Minority and Multicultural Health: [http://nj.gov/health/ommh/]