A Novel Approach for Measuring and Communicating State Health Trends Over Time

To develop a method to assess long-term and recent progress for leading health indicators in Wisconsin.

Data from state and national sources were compiled. Baseline (10-year) trends for 20 health indicators were measured and compared to the Healthy People 2020 improvement standard of 1% per year. Additionally, current rates were assessed by comparing the most recent year of data to the expected rate had the previous 10-year baseline trend continued. Where available, health indicator trends were reported by gender, race/ethnicity, geography, and socioeconomic status.

Wisconsin improved on 10 of the 20 indicators over the past decade, with decreasing mortality rates for all age groups. The largest improvement was a decline of 3.0% per year in deaths among ito 24 year olds. The rates of teen births and adult excessive drinking also improved by 2.5% per year and 1.4% per year, respectively. Other indicators worsened. For example, increasing rates of low birthweight (+ 0.6% per year), adults in fair or poor health (+1.6% per year), and all socioeconomic indicators worsened (high school dropouts [+0.9% per year], unemployment [+5.9% per year], children in poverty [+5.1% per year], and violent crime [+2.3% per year]). Health indicators varied substantially across subgroups within Wisconsin. For example, African Americans were twice as likely to experience low birthweight compared to other racial subgroups, and males experienced death rates higher than females across all ages.

Reporting current estimates and 10-year trends of leading health indicators helps identify areas of progress and opportunities for improvement. Despite progress in reducing death rates and several other health factors, self-reported health status is worsening in Wisconsin. Worsening socioeconomic conditions and health disparities represent significant public health challenges for Wisconsin's future.