DHSS Press Release

Josette Manning, Secretary
Contact
Laura Matusheski
DPH Media Relations Coordinator
Email: DPHMedia@Delaware.gov

Date: July 1, 2024
DHSS-7-2024

DPH RELEASES 2024 BURDEN OF CHRONIC DISEASE REPORT

Chronic diseases account for seven of the top 10 leading causes of death in Delaware

DOVER, Del. (July 1, 2024) - The Delaware Division of Public Health's (DPH) Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Obesity Prevention (PANO) Program released The Burden of Chronic Disease in Delaware 2024 report on June 28, 2024. The report summarizes the current state of chronic diseases and related risk factors in Delaware. It is an update to, and expansion of, Chronic Disease in Delaware: Facts and Figures, published in 2019 by DPH's Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Section.

The Burden of Chronic Disease in Delaware 2024 presents data and interpretation of those data for decision makers and other stakeholders about the current landscape of chronic disease in Delaware. The report compares Delaware and the United States in mortality, prevalence, and incidence of chronic conditions such as heart disease, stroke, vascular disease, cancer, chronic lower respiratory disease, and diabetes. It also shares data around related risk factors such as physical activity, nutrition, and obesity, tobacco and e-cigarette use, excessive alcohol use, and adolescent health. Important racial inequities related to chronic disease and related risk factors in Delaware are also highlighted throughout the report.

"This report highlights the progress that Delaware has made in addressing chronic disease, while also emphasizing the work that still needs to be done," said DPH Director Steven Blessing. "DPH is committed to addressing health inequities and enhancing our initiatives for chronic disease prevention and management."

According to the report, tens of thousands of Delawareans live with a chronic disease and 10% of residents have multiple chronic conditions. Chronic diseases account for seven of the top 10 leading causes of death in Delaware and cost Delaware billions of dollars each year in health-related expenses. Delaware has made some progress on reducing the impact of the leading chronic diseases over the last decade, with prevalence, incidence, and mortality decreasing for some conditions and increasing for others.

Key Findings:

While the prevalence of specific heart diseases (coronary heart disease, angina, and heart attack) has been stable since 2011, the five-year age-adjusted mortality rate from heart disease (as a broader group) decreased in Delaware and nationally between 2006-2010 and 2016-2020.
The prevalence of stroke remained stable in Delaware and is about the same as the national median. In contrast, the five-year age-adjusted stroke mortality rate in Delaware increased from 2006-2010 to 2016-2020 and remains higher than the United States (U.S.) overall.
The five-year age-adjusted mortality rate from vascular disease remained stable from 2006-2010 and 2016-2020 in Delaware but decreased in the U.S. overall.
There have been no changes in the prevalence of hypertension from 2011 to 2021. Likewise, the five-year age-adjusted hypertension mortality rate remained stable between 2006-2010 and 2016-2020 in Delaware and the U.S. However, in 2016-2020, Delaware has a lower hypertension mortality rate compared to the U.S.
The mortality rate of chronic lower respiratory disease in Delaware is about the same as the U.S. overall but declined from 2006-2010 to 2016-2020.
The prevalence of diabetes among Delaware adults increased from 2011 to 2022. However, the five-year age-adjusted diabetes mortality rate is lower in Delaware than the U.S. Both trends remained stable between 2006-2010 and 2016-2020.
Non-Hispanic Black Delaware adults had higher prevalence of, and mortality from, diabetes than non-Hispanic White or Hispanic adults.

The report informs statewide efforts to reduce the impacts of chronic disease in Delaware. It also includes recommendations for how Delaware can further chronic disease prevention and management efforts throughout the state to improve the health and well-being of residents statewide.

To view the full report, visit https://dhss.delaware.gov/dph/dpc/files/BurdenOfChronicDiseaseInDelaware2024Final.pdf

Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind or speech disabled can contact DPH by dialing 711 first using specialized devices (i.e. TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free and to learn more about how it works, please visit delawarerelay.com.

DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

DPH RELEASES 2024 BURDEN OF CHRONIC DISEASE REPORT

Delaware's Government