2003 Louisiana Vital Statistics Report - Louisiana Department of ...

DEATHS 2003 LOUISIANA VITAL STATISTICS REPORT
NUMBER AND RATES
In 2003, there were 42,297 deaths in Louisiana, compared to 41,797 deaths reported in 2002 (Figure 5.1, Table 5.1).
Number of Deaths
Crude Death Rate
44000
42000
40000
38000
36000
Figure 5.1: Death Counts & Crude Death Rates,
Louisiana, 1985-2003
34000
800
1985 1987 1989 1991 1993
Year
1995 1997 1999 2001 2003
Louisiana’s crude death rate increased in 2003 to 940.7 per 100,000 population from the 2002 rate of 932.4. Conversely, U.S.
rates decreased between 2002 and 2003, when they were 847.3 and 841.9 deaths per 100,000 population, respectively (Figure
5.2, Table 5.1).
Caution must be used when comparing crude rates from different populations, because crude rates are affected by differences
in the composition of the two populations (see definition in the Technical Notes section). For example, areas that attract people
over age 65 usually have higher crude death rates than areas with larger numbers of young families, because people over age
65 are at a higher risk of dying.
Rate per 100,000
population
960
940
920
900
880
860
840
820
800
Figure 5.2 Crude Death Rates
Louisiana and United States, 1985-2003
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Page 64 Louisiana Office of Public Health, State Center for Health Statistics
1000
1985 1987 1989 1991 1993 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003
950
900
850
Rate per 100,000
Population
Number
Rate
Louisiana
U.S.