Demographics/Social Determinants of Health
Demographics are the classifiable characteristics of a given population.
Many demographic characteristics are also social determinants of health (SDOH).
Demographic characteristics most commonly used in public health statistics include:
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Other demographic characteristics include:
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Many demographic characteristics are also social determinants of health (SDOH).
Analysis of public health data by demographic characteristics is essential
to the reduction and elimination of health disparities, which are defined as significant differences in "the overall rate of disease incidence, prevalence, morbidity, mortality, or survival rates in the population as compared to the health status of the general population."1 This definition can
be applied to any demographic group, not just racial/ethnic minorities.
Analysis by demographic characteristics also shows at what age certain diseases
and conditions typically affect persons as well as how life events, choices, and
circumstances (e.g., marriage, military service, and educational attainment)
affect health outcomes.
1. Minority Health and Health Disparities Research and Education Act of 2000. PL 106-525. 11/22/2000.
Certain demographic groups have consistently better outcomes than others on a variety
of public health issues. For example, infant mortality among whites is a fraction of
that among blacks and the death rate due to unintentional injury among women is about
half that of men.
Demographic characteristics are tracked in most public health data sets including, but not limited to:
- U.S. Decennial Census
- American Community Survey
- Current Population Survey
- National Vital Statistics System (Birth, death, and marriage certificates)
- Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
- Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System
- New Jersey Demographic Profile: Age, Sex, Race/Ethnicity, Nativity, Language, Disability, Education, Poverty, Employment, Commute Time, Income, Income Inequality
- Average Age at Death
- Birth Rate
- Death Rate
- Food Insecurity
- General Fertility Rate
- General Health Status
- Health Insurance Coverage
- Life Expectancy at Birth
- Poverty: Children Under Age Five