Important Facts for Deaths From All Causes

Definition

Number of deaths per 100,000 persons.

Numerator

Number of deaths.

Denominator

Number of persons in population.

Data Interpretation Issues

Age-adjusted to U.S. 2000 standard population using 10 age groups.

Why Is This Important?

The death rates are important indicators of the quality of public health service in particular populations.

How Are We Doing?

Mortality monitoring is an important and useful measure to public health authorities. In Utah, by statute, death records must be registered within five calendar days.

How Do We Compare With the U.S.?

Utah has experienced lower age-adjusted death rates than the U.S. It is interesting to see the gap in death rates between the U.S. and Utah decrease through the years. Factors that contributed to lower death rates in Utah over the past 25 years include healthy lifestyles (especially low rates of tobacco, alcohol, and substance use), lower rates of poverty, and better access to health care. A decrease in death rates across the state comes with certain implications, including increased economic demands on health care systems, including strain on aging services, long-term health care, and assisted living facilities.

What Is Being Done?

The UDOH Office of Vital Records and Statistics certifies Utah deaths and maintains records of specific characteristics such as cause of death, age of decedent, and other factors associated, such as firearm, motor vehicle, or drug overdose incidents.