Health in Nebraska
The life expectancy of the U.S. state of Nebraska was 77.8 years in 2021. Heart disease kills the most people in the state.[1]
Diseases
[edit]Cancer
[edit]Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in Nebraska.[1] Nebraska has the highest rate of pediatric cancer of states further west than Pennsylvania.[2]
Areas with high nitrate levels in the water, like along the Platte and other rivers, correlate with higher occurrences correlate with increased rates of pediatric brain cancer, leukemia, and lymphoma.[2]
Diabetes
[edit]Diabetes is the eighth-leading cause of death in Nebraska.[1] In 2016, it killed 501 people in the state.[3] Roughly 8% of the population is impacted by diabetes in the state. Diabetes is more prevalent among lower educated and lower income groups.[3]
Obesity
[edit]Of adult Nebraskans, 36.6% report as having a body mass index of over 30 in 2023.[4] The American Indian and Hispanic population experiences an elevated rate of obesity in the state. Adults aged 45–64 also see higher rates of obesity.[5]
Sexually transmitted diseases
[edit]Per 100,000 people, there are 457.2, 177.5, and 5.4 cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis in Nebraska in 2020.[6]
Mental health
[edit]In February 2021, 33.8% of Nebraskan adults reported that they suffered from symptoms of depression or anxiety.[7] Suicide is the tenth-leading cause of death in Nebraska.[1] Most Nebraskan counties, 88 of 93, have a shortage of mental health professionals.[8]
In 2022, 24,000, or 15%, of children in Nebraska had one major depressive episode throughout the previous year.[9] As of 2025, a large youth mental health facility is in the process of construction in Omaha.[10]
Alcohol consumption
[edit]In 2023, 19.9% of Nebraskan adults reported heavy or binge drinking.[11]
From 2010 to 2022, a declining number of Nebraskans aged 19–25 reported drinking alcohol.[12] Also, fewer Nebraskans in that age group drove under the influence in 2022 compared to 2010.[12] Hispanic young adults do not consume as much alcohol as their non-Hispanic counterparts, with 45.1% and 59.9% reporting it respectfully.[12]
Insurance
[edit]In February 2021, 7.9% of the state's populace was uninsured.[7]
In May 2025, insurance providers were mandated to cover colorectal cancer screenings.[13]
See also
[edit]- Abortion in Nebraska
- COVID-19 pandemic in Nebraska
- Food insecurity and hunger in the United States
- Health in the United States
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d "Nebraska". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. October 3, 2024. Retrieved May 25, 2025.
- ^ a b Xu, Yanqi (February 16, 2025). "Many Nebraskans still under threat of high nitrate in drinking water, report finds". Nebraska Public Media. Retrieved May 26, 2025.
- ^ a b "Diabetes in Nebraska" (PDF). Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved May 27, 2025.
- ^ "Explore Obesity in Nebraska". America's Health Rankings. United Health Group. Retrieved May 25, 2025.
- ^ "Obesity Fact Sheet" (PDF). Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved June 4, 2025.
- ^ "STD Testing in Nebraska". Testing.com. November 8, 2022. Retrieved May 27, 2025.
- ^ a b "Mental Health in Nebraska" (PDF). National Alliance on Mental Health. 2021. Retrieved May 25, 2025.
- ^ Ostrowicki, Jackie. "Supporting Behavioral Health Across Nebraska". University of Nebraska. Archived from the original on February 14, 2025. Retrieved May 25, 2025.
- ^ "Nebraska". Hopeful Futures Campaign. Retrieved May 25, 2025.
- ^ Gonzalez, Cindy (February 13, 2025). "$114M Omaha mental health center for kids on track for 2026 opening". Nebraska Examiner. Retrieved May 25, 2025.
- ^ "Explore Excessive Drinking in Nebraska". America's Health Rankings. United Health Group. Retrieved May 26, 2025.
- ^ a b c Dawson, Sheri (2022). "Nebraska Young Adult Alcohol Opinion Survey" (PDF). Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Behavioral Health. Lincoln, Nebraska: 14–16, 24.
- ^ Wendling, Zach (January 2, 2025). "Insurance must now cover all parts of Nebraskans' colorectal cancer screenings". Nebraska Examiner. Retrieved May 25, 2025.