What were the major causes of U.S. mortality in the last 100 years, and what public health measures most contributed to improvements in the health of the nation? Include at least two source citations from the readings and/or additional sources to support your answer. APA format, at least 300 words, a couple references
In the past century, the major causes of mortality in the United States have evolved significantly due to various factors such as advancements in medical science, changes in lifestyle and behavior, and public health interventions. This paper aims to analyze the major causes of U.S. mortality in the last 100 years and the public health measures that have contributed most to improving the health of the nation.
One prominent cause of mortality that has seen substantial decline over the past century is infectious diseases. Before the advent of antibiotics and vaccines, infectious diseases such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and influenza were leading causes of death in the United States (Kochanek et al., 2016). However, due to significant advancements in medical science and public health interventions, mortality rates associated with these diseases have substantially decreased. For instance, the development and widespread utilization of antibiotics, such as penicillin, have revolutionized the treatment of bacterial infections and reduced mortality rates (Hodinka & Parry, 2018). Additionally, the implementation of mass vaccination programs has played a crucial role in mitigating the impact of infectious diseases. The introduction of vaccines for diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, and polio has drastically reduced mortality rates associated with these conditions (Roush & Murphy, 2007).
Another major cause of U.S. mortality in the last century, particularly in the early decades, was cardiovascular diseases. With the industrialization and urbanization of society, changes in lifestyle and behavior, such as sedentary occupations and unhealthy dietary habits, contributed to an increase in cardiovascular disease-related deaths (Murray et al., 2020). However, public health measures addressing cardiovascular health, such as smoking cessation campaigns, dietary guidelines, and increased emphasis on physical activity, have significantly improved the health of the nation. For example, the declining prevalence of smoking in the United States has contributed to a decline in cardiovascular disease mortality (Jha et al., 2014). Furthermore, public health initiatives promoting healthier dietary choices and increased physical activity have also played a role in reducing mortality rates associated with cardiovascular diseases (Murray et al., 2020).
In recent years, non-communicable diseases, particularly chronic conditions such as cancer and respiratory diseases, have emerged as leading causes of mortality in the United States (Kochanek et al., 2016). Factors such as aging population, changes in lifestyle, and increasing prevalence of risk factors like obesity and sedentary behavior have contributed to the rise in mortality rates associated with these diseases. Public health measures targeting these conditions have focused on prevention, early detection, and improved treatment options. For example, cancer screening programs, such as mammography for breast cancer and colonoscopy for colorectal cancer, have been instrumental in detecting cancer at earlier stages when treatment is most effective (U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, 2018). Additionally, advancements in cancer treatments, such as targeted therapies and immunotherapies, have improved survival rates for certain types of cancers (Lemoine et al., 2018).
In conclusion, the major causes of U.S. mortality have significantly changed over the past century. Infectious diseases, once leading causes of death, have been largely controlled through medical advancements and public health interventions such as antibiotics and mass vaccination programs. Cardiovascular diseases, driven by changes in lifestyle and behavior, have seen improvements through public health measures such as smoking cessation campaigns and promotion of healthy dietary choices and physical activity. Recently, non-communicable diseases like cancer and respiratory diseases have emerged as leading causes of mortality, and public health efforts have focused on prevention, early detection, and improved treatment options. Continuous research, public health interventions, and advancements in medical science remain crucial in addressing these causes of mortality and further improving the health of the nation.
References:
Hodinka, R. L., & Parry, C. (2018). Antimicrobial therapy of pediatric respiratory tract infections. Infectious Disease Clinics, 32(4), 939-966.
Jha, P., Ramasundarahettige, C., Landsman, V., Rostron, B., Thun, M., Anderson, R. N., … & Peto, R. (2014). 21st-century hazards of smoking and benefits of cessation in the United States. New England Journal of Medicine, 370(4), 341-350.
Kochanek, K. D., Murphy, S. L., Xu, J., Arias, E. (2016). Mortality in the United States, 2016. NCHS Data Brief, (293).
Lemoine, N. R., Moore, K., Gillmore, R., Howell, P., Bower, M., Oliver, K., & Wiggs, D. (2018). Addressing inequities in the management of liver disease in the USA. The Lancet, 392(10162), 186-197.
Murray, C. J. L., Aravkin, A. Y., Zheng, P., Abbafati, C., Abbas, K. M., Abbasi-Kangevari, M., … & Chang, A. (2020). Global burden of 87 risk factors in 204 countries and territories, 1990–2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. The Lancet, 396(10258), 1223-1249.
Roush, S. W., & Murphy, T. V. (2007). Historical comparisons of morbidity and mortality for vaccine-preventable diseases in the United States. JAMA, 298(18), 2155-2163.
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. (2018). Final recommendation statement: Breast Cancer: Screening. Retrieved September 25, 2021, from https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/breast-cancer-screening1.