Mortality and Descriptive Epidemiology

Epidemiologists are able to measure mortality rates across numerous dimensions in order to gather accurate data about the death rates. Being able to gather this data across multiple dimensions is essential in being able to determine rates dependent on disease or lifestyle choices. According to Palmore (1983), Mortality rates are able to be gathered from a specific geographic region in order to determine qualities within that area such as urbanization and industrialization that may lead to increased or decreased mortality rates for the individuals living within that area  (np). Mortality rates can also be gathered from a specific population within that geographic area or across various areas. Mortality rates can also be gathered from a specific period in time. The measurement of mortality over a period of time can be the most difficult to gather. If an epidemiologist is going back many decades to study the mortality rates of an era they must rely on the data gathering ability of a period of time in the past where the accuracy of the data has to be judged. When measuring mortality over time the epidemiologist cannot be as certain about what has caused the mortality. As they no longer live in that time other factors are not as easily ruled out when it comes to the mortality rates of a specific time period.

Being able to gather mortality data from a specific geographic area can provide important data regarding the environmental factors which may contribute to mortality rates. However this form of data gathering assumes that all people within a specific environment are similar and are exposed to similar agents within their area. People within the same area may be exposed to the same environment however those with more money may have protective factors such as health insurance which prevent them from succumbing to similar diseases or deaths. Through studying a population which is similar to each other can rule out the effect of this occurring. However this form of gathering data also infers that individuals within the same cohort are similar to each other. As in the example above while some people may be of the same socio-economic status, there may be groups within their population who make lifestyle choices that would increase their chances of having higher mortality. The third dimension of measuring time has the highest degree of being able to make inferences as very little can accurately be said about the time period in which they are residing.

The most important factor which affects mortality rate would be socio-economic status. This modifiable factor is one which allows individuals to obtain the best quality health care in case they have a disease. This factor also ensures that wealthier individuals are able to make lifestyle choices throughout their life span as they have the resources to be able to do so. Wealthier individuals are able to buy healthier food which is more expensive as they have the money to be able to purchase them. Those in higher socio-economic status also are able to have vacations and engage in recreational activities that lead to reduced stress, which in turn leads to a longer life span. People who are on the lower socioeconomic spectrum have to work longer hours to be able to afford to live and they do not have the luxury of free time. People who have low socio-economic status may also be more likely to engage in recreational drug use which shortens life span. Turner (1994) also found that those in higher socio-economic status are more inclined to seek out mental health services which can also contribute to decreased mortality rates (193).

Descriptive epidemiology can also be used to research patterns of a disease in specific geographic regions. To study the spread of HIV/AIDS time-place clusters are the best approach in identifying the disease within a specific geographic region. As the condition is somewhat rare this approach would be the most effective as it works specifically with certain cancers which are rare. These clusters not only identify the specific area with a geographical location that may have the disease but also the time frame within with individuals with that disease resided in that area. Through this tool the spread of the disease can effectively be tracked and combatted. The use of time-place clusters can be conducted in numerous nations and geographical areas. 

References

Palmore, J. A., & Gardner, R. W. (1983). Measuring mortality, fertility, and natural increase: A self-teaching guide to elementary measures. East-West Population Institute, East-West Center.

Turner, R. J., & Marino, F. (1994). Social support and social structure: A descriptive epidemiology. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 193-212.