Data Sources
for the Utah State Epidemiological Outcomes Workgroup Dataset
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National Data Sources:
Alcohol Epidemiologic Data System (AEDS)
Description: Per capita consumption
of absolute alcohol has been used historically as an indicator of overall drinking
within a state and has been shown to be correlated with many types of alcohol problems.
The indicator is consistently defined and readily available from archival data for
all states and for many years.
Sponsoring
Organization/Source:
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
Data used
in report:
Total sales of ethanol in beer, wine, and spirits per year, estimated in gallons
of ethanol, per 10,000 population age 14 and older
Geographic Level:
national and state
Availability:
By request,
data obtained from the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention’s State Epidemiological
Data System (SEDS)
Years Available:
1990-2005
Demographic Categories:
NA
Limitations:
Findings regarding the association between per capita alcohol consumption and negative
consequences have been inconsistent. Average consumption levels may not be sensitive
in identifying areas with a high prevalence of heavy use where there are also high
rates of abstinence. Estimates may be inflated due to consumption by non-residents
(e.g., tourists and other visitors). Untaxed alcohol (e.g., products that are smuggled
or homemade) are not captured in this indicator.
Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)
Description: BRFSS is an annually
conducted telephone health survey system, tracking health conditions and risk behaviors
in the US yearly since 1984. BRFSS asks adults (18 and older) to respond to questions
about health-related issues. Included in the BRFSS survey are questions about current
alcohol consumption and tobacco use.
Sponsoring Organization/Source: Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention
Data used in
report:
Alcohol dependence or abuse, adult current drinking, adult heavy use, binge drinking,
adult cigarette use, daily cigarette use
Geographic level:
National
and state
Availability:
http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/brfss/; also
available by request, data obtained from the Center of Substance Abuse Prevention’s
State Epidemiological Data System (SEDS)
Years Available:
1984-2007
Demographic Categories:
BRFSS
data allow comparison across gender, age, and racial groups.
Limitations:
BRFSS
is a telephone survey subject to potential bias due to self-report, non-coverage
(households without phones), and non-response (refusal/no answer). Estimates for
subgroups may have relatively low precision (i.e., large confidence intervals).
Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN)
Description: DAWN is a public
health surveillance system that monitors drug-related deaths investigated by medical
examiners and coroners, and drug-related visits to hospital emergency departments.
DAWN includes illegal drugs, prescription and over-the-counter medications, dietary
supplements, non-pharmaceutical inhalants, alcohol in combination with other drugs,
and alcohol alone.
Sponsoring Organization/Source: Substance Abuse
and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Data used in
report:
Drug related deaths and suicides
Geographic level: national, state
and county
Availability:
http://dawninfo.samhsa.gov/pubs/mepubs/default.asp
Years Available:
2003-2007
Demographic Categories: none
Limitations:
Not all
drugs reported to DAWN are confirmed by toxicology. There are many possible sources
for drug use information including toxicology testing, clinical assessment and diagnoses,
reports by patients, their friends, or families. Testing protocols vary across hospitals,
clinicians, and patients.
Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS)
Description: FARS is a national
database of fatal motor vehicle accidents maintained by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration. It includes information about fatal accidents in which alcohol
was involved.
Sponsoring Organization/Source: National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration
Data used in
report:
alcohol related motor vehicle crash fatalities
Geographic level:
national,
state, and county
Availability:
www-fars.nhtsa.dot.gov/main/index.aspx;
also available by request, data obtained from the Center of Substance Abuse Prevention’s
State Epidemiological Data System (SEDS)
Years Available:
1994-2008
Demographic Categories:
Age by
Gender (of persons killed)
Limitations:
Using
FARS, it is possible to calculate the rate of alcohol-related fatal motor vehicle
accidents for the nation and for each state. Though FARS data are helpful in understanding
the rate of alcohol-related motor vehicle deaths, comparisons between state and
national levels should made with caution as data submissions to the FARS database
are done on a voluntary basis and may not include all fatal motor vehicle accidents
within a state or the nation. Another consideration when using FARS data is the
fact that the NHTSA estimates driver BAC for cases missing data regarding actual
BAC levels. This leads to discrepancies between FARS estimates of alcohol related
motor vehicle crashes and state agency developed estimates of these events. Thus,
estimates from the Utah Department of Public Safety and estimates from FARS are
not consistent with one another.
Monitoring
the Future Survey (MTF)
Description: MTF is a national
survey conducted annually to track changes in the drug consumption patterns of 8th,
10th, and 12th grade students throughout the US. Student respondents report on their
lifetime, annual, and monthly use of a wide variety of substances, including alcohol,
heroin, cocaine, marijuana, and methamphetamine. Findings from MTF are compared
to the SHARP data to allow comparisons between national trends and state or county
data.
Sponsoring Organization/Source: National Institute
on Drug Abuse
Data used in
report:
Lifetime and 30 day substance use rates for nation
Geographic level:
national
Availability:
www.monitoringthefuture.org/data/data.html
Years Available:
1991-2009
Demographic Categories:
Limitations:
Respondents
are sampled randomly from schools throughout the country, and no state data are
available. The MTF, like all of the survey data available presented in this epi
profile report is collected through self-report, and is subject to potential bias
due. Results from MTF are released annually and data sets are publicly available.
National Survey
on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH)
Description: The NSDUH is a national
survey funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
designed to track changes in substance use patterns for US residents 12 year of
age and older. The survey asks respondents to report on past month, past year, and
lifetime use of substances including alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, cocaine, and other
illicit drugs. Additionally, the NSDUH asks respondents whether they had received
treatment for drug abuse or drug dependence during the past year.
Sponsoring Organization/Source: Substance Abuse
and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Data used in
report:
Prevalence rate of drug dependence or abuse, alcohol dependence or abuse, marijuana
use, other illicit drug use
Geographic level:
National
and state
Availability:
National
and state reports are available at http://oas. samhsa.gov/nsduh.htm; also available by request, data obtained from
the Center of Substance Abuse Prevention’s State Epidemiological Data System (SEDS)
Years Available:
1994-2006
for national trends, 1991-2007 for state trends
Demographic Categories:
Age
Limitations:
State-level
prevalence rates are based on statistical algorithms, not on data collected within
specific states. State-level estimates for most states are based on relatively small
samples. Although augmented by model-based estimation procedures, estimates for
specific age groups have relatively low precision (i.e., large confidence intervals).
The estimates are provided directly by SAMHSA and raw data that could be used for
alternative calculations (e.g., demographic subgroups) are not available. The estimates
are subject to bias due to self-report and non-response (refusal/no answer). There
is usually a two-year delay between the time data are gathered and the time when
data are made available to the public.
National Vital Statistics System (NVSS)
Description: NVSS is a data set
that provides information on mortality rates by cause of death. Data on deaths throughout
the country are provided to the CDC by health departments in the 50 states and US
territories. Age-adjusted death rates for deaths due to disease and events associated
with alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs can be computed for the nation and each state,
and comparisons can be made across gender and racial groups. Age-adjusted death
rates for deaths due to disease and events associated with alcohol, tobacco, and
other drugs can be computed for the nation and each state, and comparisons can be
made across gender and racial groups.
Sponsoring Organization/Source: National Center
for Health Statistics, Center for Disease Control
Data used in
report:
rate of ischemic-cerebrovascular disease, homicides, suicides, lung cancer, lung
disease, illicit drug deaths, cardiovascular disease, and chronic liver disease
Geographic level:
National
and state
Availability:
http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/default.htm;
also available by request, data obtained from the Center of Substance Abuse Prevention’s
State Epidemiological Data System (SEDS)
Years Available:
1999-2006
Demographic Categories:
Age,
gender, race
Limitations:
There
is variability in the procedures used within and across each state to determine
cause of death. There is typically a three-year gap between the time data are collected
and the time when data are made publicly available.
Uniform Crime Reporting Program (UCR)
Description: The UCR is a national
database maintained by the FBI that records information on the rates of property
crimes, violent crimes, and drug related crimes throughout the US. The UCR data
are voluntarily submitted by law enforcement agencies on a county-by-county basis
by each of the 50 states. UCR data allows for comparisons of overall crime rates
between Utah and the entire US, and comparisons of crime rates for juveniles versus
adults.
Sponsoring Organization/Source: Federal Bureau of
Investigation (FBI)
Data used in
report:
Reported violent crimes, reported property crimes
Geographic level:
national,
state, and county
Availability:
County
levels available at http://www.icpsr.umich.edu/NACJD/ucr.html;
also available by request, data obtained from the Center of Substance Abuse Prevention’s
State Epidemiological Data System (SEDS)
Years Available:
1994-2006
Demographic Categories:
NA
Limitations:
UCR data are publicly
available with a two-year lag from the time data are collected until they are made
publicly available. States are not required to submit crime information to the FBI,
rather data submission is voluntary. Therefore, the level of reporting varies considerably
from county to county (county to county) and state to state. Although most police
departments do report UCR data, there are a few jurisdictions each year for which
data are not provided. The FBI uses a statistical algorithm to estimate arrests
for counties for which reporting is particularly poor, however county to county
comparisons should still be interpreted with caution.
United States Census Bureau Population Projections
Description: In order to calculate
rates based on population, estimates of the populations for the state as well as
each county and region were necessary. The U.S. Census Bureau provides population
projections by county that serve as the basis for the rates provided through the
website.
Sponsoring Organization/Source: United States Census
Bureau
Data used in
report:
County population estimates
Geographic level:
state
and county
Availability:
1990-1999:
http://www.census.gov/popest/archives/1990s/CO-99-08.html
2000-2008:
http://www.census.gov/popest/counties/CO-EST2008-01.html
Years Available:
1990-2008
Demographic Categories:
NA
Limitations:
These
population projections are estimates only. Projections are based on census data
collected every 10 years as well as estimation algorithms. Estimates are updated
once a year by the U.S. Census until the next full census is conducted (e.g., 1990,
2000, 2010, etc.). As a result, there is usually a larger (than usual) difference
between the last projection for each decade and the next population estimates released
after a full census is conducted (e.g., from 1989 to 1990, 1999 to 2000, etc.).
Additionally, because the estimates are updated once a year (including revising
all of the years within that decade), the population estimates used in the SEOW
online data system may differ slightly with the current estimates provided by the
U.S. Census Bureau’s website.
Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS)
Description: WISQARS is an interactive
database system that provides customized reports of injury-related data. Calculates
the years of potential life lost (YPSS) which emphasizes premature mortality by
giving a larger computational weight to youthful deaths. Provides US injury mortality
data: charts of deaths by commons causes of death, years of potential life lost
(premature death) by specific causes of injury mortality and common causes of death.
Also provides national estimates of nonfatal injuries treated in US hospital emergency
departments.
Sponsoring Organization/Source: National Center
for Injury Prevention and Control, Center for Disease Control
Data used in
report:
Years of potential life lost for several causes of mortality, Top 10 and 20 causes
of death in Utah.
Geographic level:
national
and state
Availability:
http://www.cdc.gov/injury/wisqars/index.html
Years Available:
1999-2006
Demographic Categories:
race,
sex, age group, cause of death
Limitations:
Unknown
Utah Specific Data Sources:
Student Health and Risk Prevention (SHARP) Survey
Description: The SHARP Survey
is designed to assess Utah< student’s involvement in a specific set of problem behaviors,
as well as exposure to risk and protective factors that predict problem behaviors
in adolescents. The SHARP surveys 6th, 8th,10th, and 12th grade students on a biennial
basis, to more than 40,000 students enrolled in Utah public schools. A Total of
37 school districts and 10 charter schools participated in 2009 survey.
Organization/Source: Utah Department
of Human Services, Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Data used in
report:
Youth 30 day alcohol use, alcohol dependence or abuse, youth percent cigarette use,
youth 30 day marijuana use, percentage of youth who are in need for alcohol or drug
treatment.
Geographic level:
Local
Substance Abuse Authority and state level reports available.
Availability:
http://www.dsamh.utah.gov/sharp.htm
Years Available:
2005-2009
(biennially)
Demographic Categories: grade, gender and
race/ethnicity
Limitations:
Sample
sizes and responses rates vary across Local Substance Abuse Authorities (LSAA) and
school districts. As a result some LSAA level data must be interpreted with caution
when response rates or sample sizes warrant. As with other survey data presented
in this epidemiological profile report, the SHARP is subject to potential bias due
to the self-report nature of the data.
Utah Crash Summary Report Data, Utah Department of Public Safety
Description: The Utah Crash Facts
Reports describe trends and effects of traffic crashes in Utah. Data from the summary
are derived from Utah crash reports completed by law enforcement officers who investigate
crash scenes. Crash reports are forwarded to the Utah Department of Public Safety
for central collection. Data compiled by the Utah Department of Public Safety are
entered into the national Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS).
Sponsoring Organization/Source: Utah Department
of Public Safety
Data used in
report:
rate and percentage of alcohol impaired injury and fatal crashes
Geographic level:
county
and state
Availability:
http://publicsafety.utah.gov/highwaysafety/publications.html
Years Available:
1998-2007
Demographic Categories: age, gender, BAC
level, DUI convictions, etc.
Limitations:
Data
reflect police reporting of alcohol involvement in crashes. Officers are likely
to report alcohol involvement only overt signs of alcohol use are available at the
scene of the accident.
Utah Department of Health, Prescription Pain Medication Management
and Education Program
Description: In July 2007, the
Utah State Legislature appropriated funding to the Utah Department of Health (UDOH)
to establish to a two-year program to reduce deaths and other harm from prescription
opiates. The Prescription Pain Medication Management and Education Program goals
were to 1) reduce the number of deaths due to prescription medications by 15% by
2009 2) improve understanding of occurrence of deaths related to prescription pain
medications and understanding of prescribing patterns and other risk factors that
increase risk of death, and 3) provide recommendations regarding use of the CSD
to identify risks and potentially to prevent deaths due to prescription pain medications.
Drug overdose deaths were obtained from the Medical Examiner’s database.
Sponsoring Organization/Source: Utah Department
of Health
Data used in
report:
BRFSS prescription pain medication supplement module (reasons for using prescribed
and non-prescribed pain medication); number of accidental or undetermined intent
drug poisoning deaths
Geographic level:
state
Availability:
http://health.utah.gov/prescription/html/publications.html
Years Available:
2008
for reasons of use, 1999-2008 for medical examiner’s database
Demographic Categories: none
Limitations:
Many
items contained in the prescription pain medication BRFSS supplement were dependent
on skip patterns that limited the sample sizes associated with the items. Sample
sizes associated with some items are very small, which may affect the reliability
of the estimates. Medical Examiner drug poisoning deaths data reflects data queried
using search terms associated with drug overdose or poisoning by Department of Health
staff of Medical Examiner data. Counts and rates of death, therefore, are dependent
on the particular search terms used for the query process for a given year. Counts
and rates may vary from earlier or future years as the search terms used are updated
and enhanced.
Utah Higher Education Health Behavior Survey
Description: The Utah Higher Education Health
Behavior Survey has several objectives: 1) assess the prevalence of alcohol, tobacco,
and other drug (ATOD) use on Utah campuses, 2) measure the need for substance abuse
treatment by college students, 3) gain information about health and safety issues
facing college students, 4) measure students’ perception of substance abuse prevention
and policies on campus, 5) measure the levels of selected risk factors for substance
abuse, and 6) compare the results across survey administrations (2003, 2005, and
2007). The 2007 Survey was completed by over 10,000 students from nine public colleges.
Sponsoring Organization/Source: Utah Department
of Human Services, Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Data used in
report:
lifetime, annual, and 30-day prevalence, for a variety of substances including:
tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs; need for alcohol or drug treatment.
Geographic level:
state
Availability:
http://www.dsamh.utah.gov/higher_ed.htm
Years Available:
2003-2007
(biennially)
Demographic Categories:
gender,
ethnicity, age
Limitations:
As with
other survey data presented in this epidemiological profile report, the Utah Higher
Education Health Behavior Survey is subject to potential bias due to the self-report
nature of the data.
Utah Indicator Based Information System for Public Health (IBIS)
Description: Utah has developed
an internet portal that hosts data from several different sources through which
data are available to the public and to researchers. Utah-specific data accessed
for this profile report using IBIS include the following:
1. Utah Behavioral
Risk Factor Surveillance System, Office of Public Health Assessment, Utah Department
of Health
2. Utah Death Certificate
Database, Office of Vital Records and Statistics, Utah Department of Health
3. Utah Emergency
Department Encounter Database, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services, Utah Department
of Health
4. Utah Pregnancy
Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), Utah Department of Health
Sponsoring Organization/Source: Utah Department
of Health
Data used in
report:
smoking during pregnancy, alcohol use during pregnancy, cirrhosis deaths, alcohol
dependence and abuse, alcoholism deaths, homicide deaths, suicide deaths, accidental
drowning deaths, accidental fall deaths, drug poisoning deaths, emergency department
encounters for drug poisoning, ischemic cerebrovascular disease deaths, lung cancer
deaths, cardiovascular deaths, lung disease deaths, accidental fire deaths by Local
Substance Abuse Authority.
Geographic level:
Varies
depending on source data.
Availability:
http://ibis.health.utah.gov/home
Years Available:
Varies
depending on source data.
Demographic Categories:
Varies
depending on source data.
Limitations:
Varies
depending on source data.
Utah Higher Education Health Behavior Survey
Description: The Utah Higher Education Health
Behavior Survey has several objectives: 1) assess the prevalence of alcohol, tobacco,
and other drug (ATOD) use on Utah campuses, 2) measure the need for substance abuse
treatment by college students, 3) gain information about health and safety issues
facing college students, 4) measure students’ perception of substance abuse prevention
and policies on campus, 5) measure the levels of selected risk factors for substance
abuse, and 6) compare the results across survey administrations (2003, 2005, and
2007). The 2007 Survey was completed by over 10,000 students from nine public colleges.
Sponsoring Organization/Source: Utah Department
of Human Services, Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Data used in
report:
lifetime, annual, and 30-day prevalence, for a variety of substances including:
tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs; need for alcohol or drug treatment.
Geographic level:
state
Availability:
http://www.dsamh.utah.gov/higher_ed.htm
Years Available:
2003-2007
(biennially)
Demographic Categories:
gender,
ethnicity, age
Limitations:
As with
other survey data presented in this epidemiological profile report, the Utah Higher
Education Health Behavior Survey is subject to potential bias due to the self-report
nature of the data.