Development of a Citizen Science platform for Indianas'a Cardiovascular Mortality Rates and Social Health Determinants

Abstract

The high cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality burden in Indiana, which has witnessed over 82,373 CVD-attributed deaths from 2017-2021 as per vital statistics data from the Indiana Department of Health. The project explores the association between CVD mortality rates and social determinants of health including gender, education level, occupation, and lifestyle factors across 779 Zip Code Tabulation Areas (ZCTAs) in Indiana.

Merging cardiovascular mortality rates from the Indiana Department of Health with socioeconomic attributes for each zip code, the study explores the complex intersections of place and society in determining health. Spatial data visualization maps geographic clusters exhibiting elevated death rates warranting priority attention. Statistical models estimate the extent of disproportionate mortality risk faced by disadvantaged groups after accounting for other factors.

Overall, the project knits together conceptual underpinnings from medical geography, social epidemiology, and health informatics to put the spotlight on social determinants as pivotal upstream drivers of cardiovascular health disparities. The interactive heatmaps and dashboards will allow for citizen science and participation in understanding targeted interventions that may address root causes of challenges promoting health equity.