Mortality patterns among female nurses: a 27-state study, 1984 through 1990

• Published in: American journal of public health (1971) Vol. 87; no. 9; pp. 1539 - 1543
• Main Authors: Peipins, L A, Burnett, C, Alterman, T, Lalich, N
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington, DC Am Public Health Assoc 01-09-1997; American Public Health Association
• Subjects: 1984-1990; Adolescent; Adult; Age groups; Aged; Biological and medical sciences; Cancer; Cardiovascular disease; Cause of Death; Colon; Confidence intervals; Databases, Factual; Death Certificates; Diabetes; Epidemiology; Falls; Female; General aspects; Health care; Health risk assessment; Hepatitis; HIV; Human immunodeficiency virus; Humans; Infections; Infectious diseases; Leukemia; Medical sciences; Methodology; Middle Aged; Mortality; Nurses; Occupations; Patterns; Public health; Public health. Hygiene; Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine; Socioeconomic factors; Studies; Surveillance; Tuberculosis; United States; USA; White collar workers; Women; Womens health; United States; North America; America; Human; Health staff; Mortality; Rate; Death certificate; Database; Evolution; Woman; Epidemiology; Public health; Nurse
• ISSN: 0090-0036; 1541-0048
• DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.87.9.1539

This study examined the mortality experience of 50,000 nurses using the National Occupational Mortality Surveillance database of death certificates.
Proportionate mortality ratios adjusted by race (White, Black, or other) and 5-year age groups were calculated for selected causes of death among female nurses vs all workers and white-collar workers.
Excess deaths among nurses less than 65 years of age were seen in both comparison groups for viral hepatitis, cancer of the nasal cavities, accidental falls, suicide, and drug-related deaths. Among nurses 65 years old or older, deaths due to chronic myeloid leukemia were in excess. Proportionate mortality ratios for breast and colon cancers, diabetes, and heart disease varied by occupational comparison group.
These findings confirm results of previous studies and identify new associations. Redoubled efforts are called for in overcoming obstacles to reducing workplace hazards.