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Births and deaths: preliminary data for 1998.
Summary
US birth rates declined for teenagers but rose for women in their thirties and forties in 1998. Life expectancy reached a record high, while the age-adjusted death rate hit a record low.
Area of Science:
- Demography
- Public Health
- Vital Statistics
Background:
- Preliminary data for 1998 on U.S. births and deaths are presented.
- Natality data include maternal age, race, Hispanic origin, marital status, prenatal care, cesarean delivery, and low birthweight.
- Mortality data cover life expectancy, leading causes of death, and infant mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present preliminary U.S. natality and mortality data for 1998.
- To analyze trends in birth rates by maternal age and characteristics.
- To report on leading causes of death, life expectancy, and infant mortality.
Main Methods:
- Data based on over 99% of births and 85% of deaths in the U.S. for 1998.
- Records weighted to independent control counts for births and deaths.
- Comparisons made with final 1997 data.
Main Results:
- Teen birth rates declined; rates for women aged 30-44 increased, reaching multi-decade highs.
- Prenatal care utilization improved; cesarean and low birthweight rates increased.
- Age-adjusted death rate reached a record low; life expectancy reached a record high.
- HIV infection fell out of the top 15 causes of death; homicide and atherosclerosis rates declined.
Conclusions:
- Significant shifts in U.S. birth patterns observed, with older women having more births.
- Improvements in life expectancy and reductions in age-adjusted mortality rates indicate positive public health trends.
- While some causes of death declined, others like septicemia and pneumonia/influenza increased.