New SLO County data highlights leading causes of death

– San Luis Obispo Health Counts has released new data on life expectancy and leading causes of death in San Luis Obispo County, highlighting key health trends in the community. The report shows that life expectancy varies significantly by gender and race, with women generally living longer than men. Asian women have the highest life expectancy, while Black men continue to have the lowest.

The COVID-19 pandemic, beginning in 2020, caused a sharp decline in life expectancy for all demographic groups, disproportionately affecting low-income individuals and communities of color. The pandemic has further widened existing gaps in life expectancy across different population groups.

Life Expectancy Trends

According to SLO Health Counts and data from the California Department of Public Health, women in California tend to live longer than men, with Asian women having the longest life expectancy. Black men experience the shortest life expectancy across racial and ethnic groups. The report notes that all groups saw a decline in life expectancy during the two-year period beginning in 2020, largely due to the impact of COVID-19.

Leading Causes of Death

The report also highlights the leading causes of death in SLO County, which include chronic diseases such as cardiovascular conditions, cancer, and injuries. The “years of life lost” (YLL) metric, which accounts for both the frequency of deaths and the age at which they occur, emphasizes the significant impact of premature mortality. This data helps public health officials identify key areas for education and prevention efforts.

Injuries and Falls

Injuries are a major contributor to YLL in SLO County, particularly deaths caused by accidents. The age-adjusted death rate from accidents in the county is 59.5 per 100,000 people, higher than the state average of 47.9 per 100,000 and the Healthy People 2030 target of 43.2 per 100,000.

Falls are a leading cause of injury-related deaths among individuals 65 years and older in the county. The frequency of emergency medical services (EMS) calls for falls has increased in recent years, particularly for those aged 85 and older.

Vehicle and Pedestrian Injuries

The report also highlights traffic-related injuries, noting that San Luis Obispo County ranks 39th out of 58 California counties for pedestrian injuries and fatalities. The county ranks 4th for injuries or deaths in bicycle accidents. This data, compiled by the California Office of Traffic Safety, points to the need for continued efforts to improve traffic safety in the region.

Public health officials plan to use the data from SLO Health Counts to inform future health interventions and policy decisions aimed at improving the overall health and safety of the community.