Our Local Health: Escambia, AL

February 20, 2010

healthseries.jpgA study released this week by the University of Wisconsin showed Escambia County, Alabmaa, to be one of the unhealthiest counties in Alabama.

In “health outcomes” which is determined by morbidity and mortality rates, Escambia (Ala.) ranked number 51 of 67 counties in the state. In the four areas that determine “health factors” Escambia County (Ala.) ranked 58 of 67.

As part of our continuing series “Our Local Health: North Escambia Area”, we take a look today at the risk factors and lifestyles that led to Escambia County, Alabama’s poor health report card.

Health Outcomes

  • The number of premature deaths in Escambia County is much higher than the state average.
  • 25% of population in poor or fair health. Alabama: 20%
  • 3.9 days of a 30 day period was a sick day. Alabama: 4.3
  • 4.0 days of the last 30 was a poor mental health day. Alabama: 4.1
  • 11% of babies had a low birth weight .Alabama:  10%

Heath Factors

  • 26% of adults smoke. Alabama: 24%
  • 35% of adults are obese. Alabama: 31%
  • 4% binge drink. Alabama: 12%
  • 37 people for every 100,000 die in a traffic crash. Alabama:25
  • Chlamydia rage is 462 per 100,000 people. Alabama: 547
  • Birth rate is 71 of 1,000 teen girls. Alabama: 54

Clinical Care

  • 19% of adults are uninsured. Alabama:
  • 87 preventable hospital stays out of 1,000. Alabama:
  • Diabetic screening rate 78%. Alabama:
  • Hospice use is 48%. Alabama:

Social & Economic Factors

  • 63% high school graduation rate. Alabama: 66%
  • 11% have college degrees. Alabama: 21%
  • 31% of children in poverty. Alabama: 24%
  • 12% single parent households. Alabama: 10%
  • 454 violent crimes per 100,000 population. Alabama: 435

Physical Environment

  • 4 air pollution days per year. Alabama: 6
  • 0 ozone pollution days per year. Alabama: 1
  • 29% have access to healthy foods. Alabama: 39%
  • 0.5 liquor stores per  10,000 people. Alabama: 0.7

Each day through Sunday, NorthEscambia.com will investigate our health. We’ll take a detailed look at what is healthy about our three county area, plus we’ll look at the dirty little health secrets of our residents like smoking, binge drinking, obesity and violent crime. Join us each day through Sunday for our special series “Our Local Health: North Escambia Area”.

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