This report includes information on health
indicators selected from the Healthy People 2000 report. This
list is by no means exhaustive, but indicators were chosen based
on two major criteria:
- The indicators are tracked nationally and include goals established by Healthy People 2000.
- A reliable surveillance system is in place to track the data.
Comparing North Dakota data with national data
for these indicators assess North Dakota's health status in relation
to the nation.
The U.S. comparisons are based on three year averages (19901992) using the most current data available. National diabetes comparisons are based on 1992 data. North Dakota comparisons are based on five year averages (19901994) that are used to minimize the fluxuation of annual rates that occur when small numbers are used to calculate rates. The charts show the actual rates during specified time periods to indicate trends.
A reliable surveillance system is often taken
for granted. Maintaining surveillance systems take time, effort,
and money. However, it is important to remember that reliable
and timely data are necessary for policymaking and determining
how to allocate North Dakota's resources.
Another issue considered when choosing the
health indicators in this report was whether or not intervention
could positively influence future outcomes. Many chronic diseases
and injuries may be prevented by a healthy lifestyle or alleviated
by early detection and treatment. Some of these behavior choices
can also be encouraged by enacting laws that support healthy behavior
(e.g., use of child safety seats in automobiles).
The issue of health care services was chosen
for this report because of its contribution to health status.
The emphasis of health care has changed from "illness"
care to "health" care and is reflected, to some degree,
in the way health care services are delivered. Many of the Healthy
People 2000 goals encourage the use of "health" care
services (such as mammograms and early prenatal care) to improve
health outcomes.
This report illustrates how healthy North Dakota is today and where North Dakota would like to be in the year 2000. It also shows areas where North Dakota can improve.
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