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Age-adjusted death rates: trend data based on the year 2000 standard population
Summary
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its standard population for calculating age-adjusted death rates in 1999. This change requires using the Year 2000 population standard for accurate comparisons with 1999 and later mortality data.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Biostatistics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Age-adjusted death rates are crucial for comparing mortality across different populations and time periods.
- These rates control for variations in population age structure.
- Historically, the 1940 U.S. population standard was used by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce the updated age-adjusted death rates using the Year 2000 standard population.
- To inform researchers and public health professionals about the change in methodology.
- To ensure accurate mortality comparisons from 1999 onwards.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Year 2000 estimated population distribution as the standard population.
- Recalculated age-adjusted death rates based on this new standard.
- Presented rates stratified by race and sex.
Main Results:
- The NCHS adopted the Year 2000 population standard for age-adjusted death rates starting with 1999 mortality data.
- Comparisons with data prior to 1999 require using the same standard population.
- Changes in the standard population can alter the magnitude of death rates and group differentials.
Conclusions:
- The shift to the Year 2000 standard necessitates careful interpretation of mortality trends.
- Accurate comparisons of mortality data from 1999 onward depend on the consistent application of the new standard.
- Users are directed to the NCHS website for age-adjusted death rates by selected causes.
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