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Causes of death in an urban public hospital

C Franklin, J Gertzen, B Mamdani

    Urban Health
    |November 6, 1984
    PubMed

    Insights

    This 1983 study of Cook County Hospital deaths found malignancies, especially lung cancer, were leading causes. Preventive measures and early detection are crucial for urban indigent populations.

    Area of Science:

    • Internal Medicine
    • Public Health
    • Epidemiology

    Background:

    • The urban indigent population faces significant health challenges.
    • Understanding mortality patterns is key to improving healthcare for vulnerable groups.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To analyze mortality data from the Department of Medicine at Cook County Hospital in 1983.
    • To identify leading causes of death and associated risk factors in an urban indigent population.

    Main Methods:

    • Retrospective review of patient charts and autopsy reports.
    • Analysis of 11,677 admissions and 476 deaths within the Department of Medicine.
    • Comparison of mortality rates between intensive care units and general wards.

    Main Results:

    • Overall mortality rate was 4.1%, with 50% higher deaths in intensive care units compared to general wards.
    • Malignancies represented over one-third of all deaths, with lung cancer being the most common diagnosis (1 in 6 deaths).
    • Other leading causes included cirrhosis, gastrointestinal malignancies, and cerebrovascular accidents; cardiovascular mortality was lower than anticipated.

    Conclusions:

    • Mortality patterns reflect serious diseases prevalent in the urban indigent population, linked to smoking, alcoholism, and hypertension.
    • Preventive medical strategies and early detection campaigns are essential for reducing morbidity and mortality.
    • Medical education and outpatient programs should prioritize these public health issues.

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