Has there been progress in reducing mortality among Wisconsin adults ages 25 to 44?

Wisconsin residents age 25-44 years represent an important life stage and a relatively large portion of the Wisconsin population. Focusing on the most common causes of death among Wisconsin adults 25-44 years old, we assess progress in reducing mortality, describe disparities between subgroups of this age group, and identify areas for improvement. Mortality trends and leading causes of death were examined from 1980-1999 by querying the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's WONDER database using the methods established by the National Vital Statistics System. Mortality rates in Wisconsin declined slightly (5%) during this time, and are consistently lower than the national rates. Mortality due to unintentional injury, cancer, and coronary heart disease declined in this age group. However, this decline was in contrast to increases in mortality due to suicide, homicide, and HIV--all preventable causes of death. Finally, disparities in mortality rates increased between black and white Wisconsin residents. In order to make progress in this age group, public health efforts need to focus on effective strategies to prevent HIV and violence.