Question

Scientists collect statistics on who gets healthcare and what factors might influence the care received. Social epidemiology is the study of how health and disease are distributed throughout a society’s population. It helps scientists figure out what factors are influential, such as age, gender, social class, and race.

• Age: People who die at a younger age are considered rare and tragic, but young people still die of accidents and sometimes tragic diseases.
• Gender: Males display riskier behavior throughout their lives, are four times more likely to be killed as a result of homicide, and, later in life, are more likely to die of heart disease. Women are more likely to outlive men in general by about five years.
• Social class: About ten years separates the highest and the lowest class in the U.S. in terms of life expectancy. Income affects how you feel about your health and the healthcare and medical attention you receive.
• Race: Although all families want good health and are willing to seek treatment when needed, the poverty level of African Americans is three times that of whites. They are more likely to die in infancy, and, as adults, are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure and heart disease, as well as die from violence or drug abuse. The life expectancy for white children is about four years longer than that of African American children.

Younger deaths are the ones considered tragic. Older deaths are considered normal and expected.

Does our distribution of illness and death epidemiologically make sense? What is the worst loss of life that could be prevented?

Answer 1

Death is natural for all but it happens as a process and not as suddenly . Sudden death could be because of any accidents or any deadly diseases in young life .They are generally healthier because of their immunity power at this age. Men having increased death rate compared to women because of their life style,stress and other co-factors Certain race have higher incidence of death due to their socioeconomic status, life style,habits etc.,Hence our epidemiology makes sense onnthe distribution of health and illness.The worst loss of life that could be prevented is by careful driving ,avoiding reckless over speed rides,drunk free rides ,etc., This has to be inculcated in a strict rules and regulations under law and or event youth death.