Chain of Causation
10 Leading Causes of Death 9 Actual Causes of Death 8 Root Causes
1. Heart Disease Tobacco Lack of information
2. Cancer Diet/activity patterns Economic despair
3. Cerebrovascular disease Alcohol Meaningless existence
4. Accidents Microbial agents Low self esteem
5. COPD Toxic agents External & internal stress
6. Pneumonia Firearms Hopelessness
7. Diabetes Sexual behavior Anger and frustration
8.. Suicide Motor vehicles Powerlessness and fear
8. Liver disease and cirrhosis Illicit use of drugs
Columns 1 & 2 -- Journal of the American Medical Association, McGinnis and Foege, 270:2207-2212, 11/93