Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #111839

William K. Adih, MD, MPH, DrPH and Maureen Edwards, MD, MPH. Center for Maternal and Child Health, Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 201 W. Preston Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, (410) 767-6715, wadih@dhmh.state.md.us

Childhood deaths are a major public health problem. The most common causes of death in children and adolescents are frequently related to preventable factors. Provision of data that describes the extent, distribution and risk factors of childhood deaths is vital to policy makers, health professionals and communities to enable them make decisions about allocation of resources and institution of effective strategies to prevent future child fatalities, and to monitor progress.

Although child deaths and death rates are declining in Maryland, the State's childhood homicide rate and motor vehicle-related deaths are a leading concern, with disparities an issue of particular interest.

We analyzed 2001-2003 Maryland vital statistics data to investigate the causes of death among children ages 1-17 years. Findings showed significant differences by race and gender (p<.05): African-American, and male children were at an increased risk of dying from all causes. Injuries were the leading cause of death in children, comprising 33% of all childhood deaths, followed by homicides (15%), malignant neoplasms (10%), cardiovascular diseases (5%) and suicides.

These findings have demonstrated that interventions should be targeted at risk factors that cause the most childhood deaths and which are preventable.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session

• Participants will be able to recognize the major risk factors for death among children in Maryland.
• Discuss recommendations for avoiding preventable deaths in childhood in Maryland.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation