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PubMed2001

Trends in malignant melanoma incidence and mortality in Wisconsin, 1979-1997.

OBJECTIVE: To explore trends in malignant melanoma incidence and mortality in Wisconsin from 1979 to 1997, by age, gender and time period. Comparisons are also made to US trends over this period. DATA: Incidence data for Wisconsin were provided by the Wisconsin Cancer Reporting System Bureau of Health Information, within the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services, while US data were extracted using SEER*Stat 3.0. Mortality data for both Wisconsin and the US were compiled using CDC WONDER. RESULTS: Wisconsin malignant melanoma incidence rates rose 25% from 1979 to 1998, compared to a US increase of 132%. For mortality rates, however, both Wisconsin (22%) and the US (15%) exhibited only modest increases. Between the mid-1980s and mid-1990s, the largest increases in both incidence and mortality (over 70%) occurred among males over age 65. In contrast, declines of 30% to 40% were found for males age 0-34. Patterns were less consistent among females. CONCLUSIONS: Since the mid-1980s, malignant melanoma incidence in Wisconsin appears to have increased sharply among males and females over age 65, with a corresponding rise in mortality among males in this age group. These trends should be a source of concern for clinicians and policy makers alike. Because current evidence on the effectiveness of early treatment is inconclusive, it is especially important to take preventive measures now--such as educational and community-based interventions--to reduce future incidence.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Asthma in Wisconsin adults: a persistent problem for patients and providers.

Asthma is a chronic lung condition that requires active provider and patient management to prevent chronic symptoms and exacerbations. Data from the 2002 Wisconsin Behavioral Risk Factor Survey were used to determine asthma prevalence and characterize asthma symptom severity, control, and management among Wisconsin adults. About 8.5% or an estimated 345,000 adults in Wisconsin reported currently having asthma. Most adults with asthma (66%) have symptoms consistent with intermittent asthma. Over 80% of Wisconsin adults with asthma reported experiencing asthma symptoms in the past 30 days and 14% reported going to the emergency department for asthma in the past 12 months. The National Asthma Education and Prevention Program Management and Diagnosis Guidelines are considered the standard of quality for asthma care. Asthma management in Wisconsin falls short of meeting these guidelines. Classifying the severity of asthma, scheduling routine follow-up care, recommending measures to control asthma triggers, and treating or preventing comorbid conditions are key asthma management clinical activities. Increased clinical management coupled with improved patient self-management is needed to reduce the burden of asthma in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Asthma Plan, released by the Wisconsin Asthma Coalition, provides concrete steps for improving provider and patient asthma management.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Disparities in oral and pharyngeal cancer incidence and mortality among Wisconsin residents, 1999-2002.

OBJECTIVE: Compare incidence, mortality, and trends of oral cancer (including the pharynx) in Wisconsin and the United States by race and gender from 1999-2002. METHODS: Age-adjusted incidence rates were compared using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC WONDER). Mortality rates were compared using data from the Wisconsin Interactive Statistics on Health (WISH) and CDC US Cancer Statistics. RESULTS: Incidence rates for oral cancer were higher among males than females in both Wisconsin and the United States. Trends in the incidence rate show the gender disparity has not changed. Furthermore, the incidence rate for African American males is higher in Wisconsin than in the United States. Mortality rates for males were approximately 2 times higher than females in Wisconsin and the United States. Additionally, African American males are more likely than white males to die from this form of cancer, and the likelihood is higher in Wisconsin than in the United States (2.4 versus 1.8, respectively). CONCLUSION: Racial disparities in oral cancer for African American males are greater in Wisconsin than in the United States. This may result from variation in access to oral health care, tobacco and alcohol use, as well as limited resources in detection and prevention methods. Wisconsin should focus its oral cancer prevention activities on this high-risk group.

Black or African American↗
PubMed2006

Trends in childhood cancer incidence in Wisconsin, 1980-1999.

OBJECTIVES: Characterizing the burden of childhood cancer in Wisconsin is the first step to assessing the impact of prevention efforts, identifying especially vulnerable subgroups, and directing etiologic research. To support these goals, population-level data were used to examine trends in childhood cancer incidence among children aged 0-14 years in Wisconsin from 1980 to 1999. METHODS: Data for Wisconsin was provided by the Wisconsin Cancer Reporting System and compared to national data. Annual age-adjusted childhood cancer incidence rates for the entire population and subgroups by age, sex, race, time period, diagnostic code, and geographic region were described. Correlational analysis was conducted to assess the relation between community socioeconomic status and childhood cancer incidence using census data. RESULTS: Overall, Wisconsin's annual incidence rate for childhood cancers was 14.4 cases per 100,000 children aged 0-14 years during 1980-1999. This rate increased 10.9% (95% confidence interval 1-22%) between 1980 and 1999. Children in the 0-4 age group (20.9 per 100,000 per year) had the highest incidence rates as compared to 5-9 year olds (10.4 per 100,000 per year) and 10-14 year olds (12.0 per 100,000 per year). In males, the age-adjusted incidence of childhood cancers between 1980 and 1999 was 15.5 cases per 100,000 per year, whereas females had an incidence rate of 13.1 per 100,000 per year. Rates for whites were similar to the rates for all other racial groups combined. Leukemia had the highest age-adjusted incidence rate among childhood cancer diagnostic subtypes (4.3 cases per 100,000 per year); leukemia incidence increased by 32% between 1980 and 1999. Among the 13 hospital referral regions in Wisconsin with reported cancer cases, the Dubuque region had the highest annual age-adjusted incidence rate of 24.6 cases per 100,000, followed by Madison with 15.6 per 100,000, and Milwaukee with 15.5 per 100,000. In general, higher socioeconomic status as reflected by census indicators was positively correlated with higher rates of childhood cancer. SUMMARY: Wisconsin experienced childhood cancer incidence rates and trends similar to those throughout the United States between 1980 and 1999. Analysis of Wisconsin data, which is subject to small numbers in absolute terms (3,138 cases during 1980-1999), suggests that not all children have similar risk--infants and younger children (<5 years of age) as well as children living in areas with higher socioeconomic status may be especially vulnerable.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

University of Wisconsin solution for lung graft preservation: which components are important?

Rat lung grafts were perfused with either Euro-Collins solution, University of Wisconsin solution, or one of six modified University of Wisconsin solutions that had been sequentially depleted of specific components (n = 5 each group). After storage at 4 degrees C for 6 hours, the isolated, ventilated pulmonary graft was reperfused for 1 hour with recirculating venous blood from a support animal. In a further group, lungs were reperfused immediately after explanation to provide control values. Grafts flushed with University of Wisconsin solution functioned at control levels with regard to oxygen tension: University of Wisconsin solution 128 +/- 2.7 mm Hg, control 126 +/- 5 mm Hg; graft blood flow: University of Wisconsin solution 9.9 +/- 0.4 ml/min, control 10.2 +/- 0.8 ml/min; peak airway pressure: University of Wisconsin solution 17 +/- 0.5 mm Hg, control 16.5 +/- 0.6 mm Hg; and weight gain: University of Wisconsin solution 0.12 +2- 0.1 gm, control 0.19 +/- 0.13 gm. In contrast, lungs treated with Euro-Collins solution functioned less well: oxygen tension 54 +/- 6 mm Hg, graft blood flow 3.5 +/- 0.42 ml/min, peak airway pressure 35 +/- 4 mm Hg, and weight gain 4.15 +/- 0.5 gm (p < 0.0001 all parameters). Sequential removal of hydroxyethyl starch, magnesium, allopurinol, adenosine, glutathione, and lactobionate from University of Wisconsin solution did not impair the efficacy of the solution.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adenosine↗
PubMed1996

Residues of organochlorines in mallards and blue-winged teal collected in Colombia and Wisconsin, 1984-1989.

We compared the seasonal concentrations of 12 organochlorine (OC) compounds in samples of breast muscle, associated skin, and subcutaneous fat of blue-winged teal (Anas discors) collected in Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta, Colombia (1987-1988), and of mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) and blue-winged teal collected in Wisconsin (1984-1989). Although these species have similar feeding habits and overlapping breeding distributions, their winter ranges differ markedly. Most blue-winged teal winter in the Neotropics, whereas most mallards remain in the temperate regions of North America. A seasonal comparison of OC exposure in these species may help determine the geographic origins of contamination. All examined OCs were found to be below concentrations known to affect reproduction in waterfowl. DDE was most often detected in blue-winged teal and PCBs, in mallards. DDE exposure may have predominantly occurred outside of Wisconsin. The DDE concentration in blue-winged teal samples collected in Wisconsin in the spring (GM=0.406 microg/g) were greater (P<0.001) than in the fall (GM=0. 033 microg/g) and greater than the concentrations in mallard samples from the spring (GM=0.058 microg/g; P<0.001). Ciénaga Grande, however, was not a source of DDE contamination. The DDE concentrations in blue-winged teal samples from Ciénaga Grande did not differ between the spring (GM=0.037 microg/g) and the fall (GM=0. 039 microg/g) and were lower (P<0.001) than the concentration in blue-winged teal samples from Wisconsin in the spring. In contrast, PCB contamination seemed to have occurred in Wisconsin and affected mostly mallards. PCBs were not detected in the samples from Colombia and were detected in only five (8.3%) of the blue-winged teal samples from Wisconsin (GM=0.025 microg/g), however, those compounds were detected in 47% of the mallard samples collected in Wisconsin (GM=0.272 microg/g). DDE and PCB concentrations were greater (P=0.0) in mallard samples collected from wetlands adjacent to Lake Michigan than in samples from inland wetlands.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMedDate not supplied

"One voice-one vision" for Wisconsin pharmacy.

OBJECTIVE: To describe how a new organization, reflecting a new vision and unifying the pharmacists of Wisconsin, was created by bringing together organizationally the resources and memberships of the Wisconsin Pharmacists Association and the Wisconsin Society of health-System Pharmacists. SETTING: State of Wisconsin. DESCRIPTION: The boards of directors of the two precursor organizations initiated an exploration of the desirability and feasibility of creating a single, new organization to represent, with a unified voice, all of Wisconsin's pharmacists. This two-year effort resulted in the creation of the Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin (PSW) on January 1, 1998. INNOVATION: The new organization builds on the strengths and resources of two pharmacy organizations that previously represented divergent views and practice settings. PSW offers a new vision and level of service to its members and to pharmacy students. It presents a single voice to patients, other health care providers, and governmental agencies. RESULTS: The creation of the Society was supported unanimously by the two boards of directors and by 98% of the voting membership of the two previous organizations. CONCLUSION: Through a deliberate and extensive planning and organizational process, two vigorous professional organizations were able to recognize the importance of combining their resources into a new single organization. The pharmacists of Wisconsin responded to a call for a new vision and a unified voice. The opportunity exists for American pharmacy to examine how it will be best served by its professional organizations.

Humans↗
PubMed1996

Trends in incidence of hospitalization for traumatic brain injury in Wisconsin from 1989 through 1992.

To aid in determining health care service needs, Wisconsin Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) data on Wisconsin hospital discharges for traumatic brain injury (TBI), using ICD-9-CM codes for intracranial injury with and without skull fracture, and Wisconsin Department of Transportation data on incapacitating non-fatal head injuries (INHI) from traffic accidents from 1989 through 1992 were reviewed. Yearly TBI hospital discharges in Wisconsin declined 15.0%, and by 23.9% for Milwaukee County residents, over 1989 through 1992, correlating closely with changes in yearly INHI in Wisconsin (r = 0.999; p < 0.01) and in Milwaukee County (r = 0.989; p < 0.05). Using 1990 census data the yearly TBI risk ratio for Milwaukee County residents compared to the rest of Wisconsin increased from 1989 (1.76) to 1990 (1.92) and then decreased in 1991 (1.83) and 1992 (1.51). The results of this pilot study suggest there was a decrease in the incidence of hospitalization of patients with TBI in Wisconsin from 1989 through 1992, paralleling a decline in INHI from motor vehicle accidents. There appeared to be a relatively greater decline in these patients in Milwaukee County from 1991 to 1992 as compared to the rest of the state. The techniques employed in this study may be used to help assess rehabilitation service needs in other areas.

Brain Injuries↗
PubMed1997

Prevalence of granulocytic Ehrlichia infection among white-tailed deer in Wisconsin.

Human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE) is caused by an agent that is nearly indistinguishable from the veterinary pathogens Ehrlichia equi and Ehrlichia phagocytophila. The deer tick, Ixodes scapularis, is a vector of the HGE agent, and the white-tailed deer is the primary host for adult Ixodes ticks. We assessed the distribution of granulocytic Ehrlichia infection among deer living within (Wisconsin) and outside (western and southern Iowa) the geographic range of L. scapularis. Whole-blood samples were tested for HGE 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) by PCR, and E. equi antibody was detected by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Antibody titers of > or = 1:64 were defined as positive, and all positive samples were retested with a second lot of substrate antigen. E. equi antibody was present in 14 (8%) of 187 Wisconsin deer and 0 of 60 Iowa specimens (rate ratio undefined; P = 0.025). An additional 30 serum samples from Wisconsin deer were excluded because IFA results were discrepant between substrate lots. The reciprocal antibody titers ranged from 64 to 512 (geometric mean, 141) for positive samples. PCR results were positive for 27 (15%) of 181 Wisconsin deer. The prevalence of infection in northwestern Wisconsin deer was not significantly different from that in central Wisconsin deer, as determined by IFA and PCR. In two samples that were sequenced, the 16S rDNA was nearly identical to that of the granulocytic Ehrlichia species but distinct from that of Anaplasma marginale. The DNA sequences of the samples differed from the published sequences for E. equi, E. phagocytophila, and the HGE agent by 1 or 2 nucleotides (> or = 99.1% homology) at phylogenetically informative sites. Granulocytic Ehrlichia organisms in deer are widely distributed within the geographic range of L. scapularis in Wisconsin. Deer may serve as useful sentinels for areas where HGE transmission to humans may occur.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Occupational and adult lead exposure in Wisconsin.

Lead is a versatile metal with many industrial applications. It is among the oldest recognized occupational health hazards. Lead poisoning has been a reportable disease in Wisconsin since 1911. Although reportable, it was not until Wisconsin established an Occupational and Environmental Health Epidemiology program in 1979 that modern reporting levels were adopted, physician and laboratory reporting promoted and publicized, and elevated blood lead report tracking initiated. With the federal funding from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), a comprehensive adult blood lead surveillance program was created in 1987. Eleven years of surveillance trend data reveal a Wisconsin success story. Most Wisconsin industries have made substantial strides toward reducing occupational lead exposure. The improvement is reflected in the reduced number of elevated blood lead levels in Wisconsin's adult blood lead surveillance data. However, Wisconsin must remain vigilant as new and re-emerging lead exposures continue to be identified through adult blood lead surveillance. Wisconsin will also need to continue with its occupational lead exposure reduction efforts if it is to achieve the Federal Healthy People 2010 goals and objectives to have no adult blood lead level greater than 25 micrograms/dL.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Asthma hospitalizations in Wisconsin: a missed opportunity for prevention.

Asthma is the most common chronic disease of children and the third leading cause of preventable hospitalizations in the United States. To assess the impact of this disease on Wisconsin, we examined 1996-1998 state-wide and county-specific asthma hospitalization rates and compared these rates to Wisconsin 1990-1992 rates, national rates, and United States Healthy People 2010 asthma target objectives. Wisconsin's average asthma hospitalization rate has decreased from 13.4/10,000 during 1990-1992 to 12.1/10,000 during 1996-1998. Wisconsin children 0-4 years of age had the highest asthma-related hospitalization rate (38.0/10,000) of all age groups, during 1996-1998. Wisconsin African American residents had an average asthma hospitalization rate 6.6 times higher than whites (58.5 vs. 8.8 per 10,000, respectively) during 1996-1998. Milwaukee County had the highest county-specific asthma hospitalization rate in the state (26.4/10,000). Unless significant reductions are achieved, Wisconsin will not reach the Healthy People 2010 target objectives. Interventions should be directed to preventing asthma hospitalizations, especially among Wisconsin's youth and African American population.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Suicide trends in Wisconsin 1984-1998: good news for young and old.

PROBLEM: In Wisconsin, suicide is the eighth leading cause of death. Subgroups identified as being at higher risk are the elderly (> age 65) and young adults (aged 15-24). OBJECTIVES: 1) To compare overall national trends in suicide rates to Wisconsin trends in suicide rates from 1984 to 1998; 2) to examine suicide rates in Wisconsin sub-groups (age, gender and race) 1984-1998; and 3) to assess progress toward Wisconsin's Public Health Agenda for the Year 2000 suicide mortality goals. METHODS: National Center for Injury Control and Prevention data on suicide mortality were accessed for the United States and Wisconsin using WISQARS data extraction system. Mean suicide rates were calculated for two 5-year spans (1984-1988 and 1994-1998). Average numbers of deaths and percent change between mortality rates were calculated for the two 5-year spans. RESULTS: From 1984-1998, mean suicide mortality rates decreased 8% nationally and 14% in Wisconsin. Various trends are occurring between genders and ages. The current declines in teens 15-19 and elderly 75-84 may indicate reversals of previous trends. Rates for women decreased for nearly all age groups, continuing previously documented declines. While it appears progress has been made toward Wisconsin Public Health Agenda goals, it appears unlikely the overall objective of 8 per 100,000 will be met.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Progress in reducing per capita cigarette sales in Wisconsin, 1985-1999.

Over the past several decades, initiatives have been undertaken both on a national and state level to reduce cigarette smoking and its resultant health consequences. We compared trends in per capita cigarette sales in Wisconsin versus other states from 1985-1999. During this time period, per capita cigarette sales declined 21% in Wisconsin, versus 26% in the United States. Although the average per capita sales in Wisconsin were less than sales in the United States in both 1985 (107 versus 122 packs per capita) and 1999 (84 versus 90 packs per capita), Wisconsin's sales have declined at a slower rate, narrowing the gap between Wisconsin and US sales. Other states, such as California and Massachusetts, with large statewide tobacco control programs had rates of decline in cigarette sales over twice the Wisconsin decline from 1985-1999. In 1985, only 10 states had lower per capita sales than Wisconsin. By 1999, 24 states had lower rates, indicating greater relative progress in reducing sales in other states. Possible explanations for the greater decline in per capita cigarette sales in other states include differences in tobacco control programs, tobacco excise tax increases, and other tobacco policy initiatives.

Cross-Sectional Studies↗
PubMed2001

Lung cancer mortality report card: measuring progress in Wisconsin's counties, 1979-1998.

PURPOSE: To compare and contrast trends in lung cancer mortality in Wisconsin's 72 counties, as a measure of long-term progress in tobacco control. METHODS: Lung cancer mortality data were abstracted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's WONDER database from 1979 to 1998. Percent change in lung cancer mortality rates were analyzed at the county and national levels from 1979-1983 to 1994-1998. RESULTS: In Wisconsin, lung cancer mortality rates increased 23%, compared to a 19% increase in the United States. There was more variation in lung cancer mortality trends between Wisconsin counties than between states, with increases in 67 of Wisconsin's 72 counties. Lung cancer mortality rates increased for men in 44 counties and for women in 68 counties. Only 4 counties in Wisconsin had fewer lung cancer deaths in 1994-1998 compared with 1979-1983. CONCLUSIONS: Progress in reducing lung cancer mortality in Wisconsin--a long-term measure of progress in tobacco control--has lagged behind the rest of the United States. Nevertheless, some Wisconsin counties have experienced more progress in reducing the health burden from lung cancer, suggesting that differences exist between communities in the effectiveness of their tobacco control efforts.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Progress in reducing stroke mortality in Wisconsin, 1984-1998.

BACKGROUND: Despite recent advances in the prevention and treatment of stroke, it remains one of the leading causes of death in Wisconsin and the nation. This report examines trends in stroke mortality in Wisconsin over the past two decades and assesses progress toward reaching the Healthier People in Wisconsin 2000 objective of a 33% reduction in stroke mortality. METHODS: Trends in stroke mortality for Wisconsin were examined across gender, age, and racial subgroups. Stroke mortality rates (ICD-9 430-438) were extracted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's database via WONDER, for the period 1979-1998. RESULTS: Overall stroke mortality rates in Wisconsin decreased 11% from 1984-1986 to 1996-1998. Blacks had higher stroke mortality rates than whites, and males had higher rates than females. From 1984 to 1998, stroke mortality decreased more in men than in women for both races. In blacks under 65, both males and females experienced an increase in stroke mortality from 1984 to 1998. CONCLUSION: This analysis indicates mixed progress in the reduction of stroke mortality in Wisconsin. As of 1998, Wisconsin had not made enough progress to enable it to meet the public health agenda goal for the year 2000.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Reducing mortality in adolescents and young adults in Wisconsin: are we making progress?

OBJECTIVE: Has there been progress in the reduction of adolescent and young adult mortality in Wisconsin over the last 20 years? This paper addresses this question by examining the mortality trends--and disparities by race and gender--of adolescents and young adults in Wisconsin, ages 15-24. METHODS: Mortality data for blacks and whites from 1980-1999 for Wisconsin and the United States were accessed from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Web-based database system CDC WONDER. Mean death rates were calculated for the 5-year spans 1980-1984 and 1995-1999. A Poisson model for rates was used to summarize the death rates and perform predictions. RESULTS: Wisconsin and the United States have reduced mortality in the age group 15-24 by about 17% and 16%, respectively, between 1980-1984 and 1995-1999. In spite of this overall progress, significant disparities still exist between white and black older adolescents and young adults. When compared to 1980-1984, Wisconsin mortality rates for 1995-1999 were 24% lower among whites, but 73% higher among blacks. Disparities still exist when rates are analyzed by the leading causes of deaths. Deaths due to motor vehicle injuries have decreased for whites by about 31% compared to an increase of 19% for blacks. CONCLUSIONS: Wisconsin has made progress in reducing death rates in adolescents and young adults, especially in fatal motor vehicle injuries. However, significant disparities still exist between whites and blacks, males and females, and leading causes of deaths. Wisconsin should work to reduce the mortality rate in adolescents and young adults and to eliminate disparities by 2010.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

The new face of refugee resettlement in Wisconsin: what it means for physicians and policy makers.

BACKGROUND: Historically, Wisconsin has received refugees from 3 large geographic areas: Southeast Asia, the Former Soviet Union, and the former Republic of Yugoslavia. However, recent trends demonstrate a dramatic increase in the number of countries from which current refugees originate. Further, state migration patterns show that most counties in Wisconsin have sizable per capita refugee populations and can expect more. OBJECTIVE: This paper describes past and current refugee resettlement trends and their ramifications on health care delivery, health policy, and social development in Wisconsin. METHODS: Statistical data on national, regional, and state refugee resettlement trends was obtained from the US Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Refugee Resettlement and the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. Additional data was obtained from Milwaukee-based refugee service agencies. Further, discussions were held with health officials in Barron County and around the Midwest. FINDINGS: Beginning in the 1980s, with the influx of Laotian Hmong refugees, and continuing through the late 1990s with the end of the Balkan Wars, Wisconsin has provided safe refuge for thousands of refugees. Over the last 5 years the diversity of refugees being resettled in Wisconsin has accelerated to include an array of countries. This phenomenon has led to an increase in the range of health behaviors and health needs characteristic of these populations. The new face of refugee immigration has profound implications on Wisconsin's health landscape, not only in terms of clinical disease, but also in health policy, planning, and social development.

Asia, Southeastern↗
PubMed2006

Monitoring racial/ethnic mortality disparities in Wisconsin: 1991-2000.

BACKGROUND: Wisconsin has a goal to eliminate health disparities by 2010, but there is no consistent standard used to evaluate progress. Methodological debates persist regarding using individual group change or relative comparisons to monitor disparities. OBJECTIVES: To examine mortality disparities among racial/ethnic populations in Wisconsin using statistically significant changes in individual population mortality rates and rate ratios as measures of disparity. These measures are proposed to monitor and evaluate progress in eliminating racial/ethnic health disparities. METHODS: The Wisconsin Interactive Statistics on Health database was queried to obtain Wisconsin all-cause mortality data by race and age for the 1991-1995 and 1996-2000 periods. Age-specific and age-adjusted rates were compared across 5 major racial/ethnic populations in Wisconsin. RESULTS: Age-adjusted mortality generally declined for all racial/ethnic populations in Wisconsin from 19911995 to 1996-2000. However, disparities increased significantly for African American infants, African Americans 45-64 years old, and Hispanics/Latinos 25-44 years old. Using non-Hispanic whites as a referent resulted in a paradoxical increase in disparities for Hispanics/Latinos despite a significant reduction in mortality in this group. CONCLUSION: A statistically significant percent change in mortality rates and rate ratios is a useful standard to monitor health disparities and foster communication and targeted action around Wisconsin's goal to eliminate racial/ethnic health disparities.

Black or African American↗