Chronic conditions spike nationwide

Editor's Note

Eight chronic conditions—arthritis, depression, diabetes, asthma, cancer, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and chronic kidney disease (CKD)—continue to expand nationwide along with premature deaths from drugs, firearms, and more, according America’s Health Rankings 2023 Annual Report.

Presented by the United Health Foundation in partnership with the American Public Health foundation, the annual is said to be the longest-running state-by-state analysis of the nation’s health. An outline published by the organization on December 4 highlights “several concerning trends,” including: 

• The eight aforementioned conditions reached their highest level since America’s Health Rankings began tracking them.
• In 2022, 29.3 million adults, representing 11.2% of the population, reported having three or more chronic conditions.
• The number of primary care providers decreased 13% between 2022 and 2023—a nationwide decline of over 107,000 providers.
• Data on chronic condition care highlight broad racial/ethnic disparities; for example, Blacks were more likely than other groups to have uncontrolled A1c and to require asthma-related emergency room visits, and those with hypertension were less likely to have their blood pressure “controlled.”
• The premature death rate increased 9% between 2020 and 2021, marking the highest value recorded by America’s Health Rankings.
• Drug deaths increased 15%, while firearm death and homicide increased 7% and 33%, respectively.
• Mental health providers increased 7% between 2022 and 2023.
• The healthiest states were New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, and Minnesota.
• Louisiana had the most opportunity to improve, followed by Mississippi, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Alabama.