MPH504 Case: Eagle Rock, San Marino, Baldwin Countries

Module 2 - Case
MEASURING HEALTH AND DISEASE
Case Assignment
As part of a State Budget and Appropriations Subcommittee, you have been charged with reviewing health data of local health jurisdictions and establishing priorities for funding for the upcoming fiscal year.
After reviewing the following information
Eagle Rock County San Marino County Baldwin County
Population
2,490,653 299,658 250,765
>65 years 372,166 99,885 2,857
Total Population 2,862,819 399,543 253,622
Number of Deaths
4955 900 1854
>65 yrs 9,845 3,700 455
Total Deaths 14,800 4,600 2,309
Cause of Death
Coronary Heart Disease 6,200 1,800 790
Cancer 3,300 1,000 429
Homicide 3,100 800 450
Motor Vehicle Accident 2,200 1,000 640
Case Assignment
Your task is to answer these questions:
1 Calculate and compare the crude and age-specific death rates for each of the three counties (refer to the information Crude, Specific, and Adjusted Rates in the module homepage). Based on the crude death rate, which county appears to have the greatest need for funding? Does the age-specific death rate change your view regarding which county has a greater need for funding? Explain. Why is it possible to have a low crude rate and higher age-specific death rates?
2 Calculate and compare the cause-specific death rates (Use the information at http://www(dot)pitt(dot)edu/~super1/lecture/lec0441/001.htm from your background readings). For this, combine data from all counties. Based on the data provided, what do you think are the main health priorities?
Assignment Expectations
Length: Case assignments should be at least 2 pages (500 words) in length.
References: At least two references must be included from academic sources (e.g. peer-reviewed journal articles). Required readings are included. Quoted material should not exceed 10% of the total paper (since the focus of these assignments is critical thinking). Use your own words and build on the ideas of others. When material is copied verbatim from external sources, it MUST be enclosed in quotes. The references should be cited within the text and also listed at the end of the assignment in the References section (APA format recommended).
Organization: Subheadings should be used to organize your paper according to question
Format: APA format is recommended for this assignment. See Syllabus page for more information on APA format.
Grammar and Spelling: While no points are deducted, assignments are expected to adhere to standards guidelines of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence syntax. Points may be deducted if grammar and spelling impact clarity.
The following items will be assessed in particular:
1 Achievement of learning objectives for case assignment
2 Relevance (e.g. all content is connected to the question)
3 Precision (e.g. specific question is addressed. Statements, facts, and statistics are specific and accurate).
4 Depth of discussion (e.g. present and integrate points that lead to deeper issues)
5 Breadth (e.g. multiple perspectives and references, multiple issues/factors considered)
6 Evidence (e.g. points are well-supported with facts, statistics and references)
7 Logic (e.g. presented discussion makes sense, conclusions are logically supported by premises, statements, or factual information)
8 Clarity (e.g. writing is concise, understandable, and contains sufficient detail or examples)