Health of young children in North Carolina: recent trends and patterns

              A Special Report Series by
THE STATE CENTER FOR HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL STATISTICS
P.O. Box 29538, Raleigh, N.C. 27626-0538
No. 93 May 1995
THE HEALTH OF YOUNG CHILDREN IN NORTH CAROLINA:
RECENT TRENDS AND PATTERNS
by
Kathrvn B. Surles
H.C. DOCUMENTS
CLEARS
JUN 20 1995
ABSTRACT N.C.
IQH
A recently published report focuses on the health ofNorth Carolina's adolescents (ages 10-19) while this
report examines the health ofyoung children (ages 0-9). Together, the two reports should prove useful to those
involved in a variety of health initiatives currently under way in North Carolina.
Recent data reflect few positive trends. The state's infant death rate dropped to a record low in 1992. but
only seven states had a higher rate The rate then rose in 1993. Childhood mortality from unintentional injuries
has decreased, especially motor vehicle deaths among whites and other injurs- deaths among minorities. But
injurs- continues to be a major cause of death among young children. These deaths include some vers- young
victims of child abuse homicide.
The number of children reported as abused rose 82 percent over the last four vears; substantiated cases
involving drugs more than doubled Mothers, followed by mothers " boyfriends, were the most frequent suspects
in 23 child abuse homicides during 1992.
Incomplete immunizations, elevated blood lead levels, developmental disabilities, untreated dental
problems, and poor physical fitness also are common among North Carolina's children; and above-average
prevalences of ovens eight and grosvth retardation and a losv prevalence ofbreastfeeding are found among low-income
children. Meanwhile, some children (the number is unknown) lack health insurance coverage, and at
least some ofthose are eligible for Medicaid but not enrolled. The state must devise some way to estimate those
vulnerable populations and ensure that public assistance programs reach those who are eligible.
This report reveals svide disparities in the health ofminority children versus whites. Those disparities must
be a prime consideration in the formulation of prevention strategies.
Many child health programs and initiatives are presently in place and working to improve the health of
North Carolina's children The present bleak picture should only increase our resolve to get the job done.
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NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT. HEALTH, AND NATURAL RESOURCES