HHS Report Provides Comprehensive Look at Women’s Health, Illustrates Health Disparities
HHS on May 31 released a new statistical report on American women's health status that demonstrates the "disproportionate impact" certain health conditions have on women. The "Women's Health USA 2002" report, compiled by the HHS Health Resources and Services Administration, examines "current and historical" data from HHS and the Departments of Justice and Agriculture on women's health and health-related indicators in three categories: population characteristics, health status and health services utilization. Among the report's findings:
- A majority of American women age 40 and over in 1998 had received a mammogram in the previous two years and a Pap smear in the previous three years. Black non-Hispanic women were the most likely to have received a Pap smear during that period.
- Women's life expectancy in 2000 reached a "record low" of 79.5 years. While black women demonstrated a 12.3 year life expectancy gain between 1950 and 2000, a five-year difference remained between white and black females.
- In 2000, 83% of U.S. women received prenatal care in the first trimester -- the highest percentage ever -- up from 75% in 1989.
- 87% of women had health insurance in 2000, while approximately 25% of women between the ages of 18 and 24 were uninsured.
- In 2000, 10,459 women ages 13 and older were diagnosed with AIDS, with 38% having been exposed through heterosexual contact. Nearly 50% of all American women under age 45 have been tested for HIV.
Thompson said the report "for the first time" offers a "single place to go to get a comprehensive look at the health status of women across the nation" (HHS
release, 5/31).
The full report is available online.
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