The state of South Dakota's child: 1992

This annual report on South Dakota's children shows that the state's birth rate in 1991 has again dropped and is below the national rate. In recent years there has been progress noted in the utilization of first trimester prenatal care and the state's infant mortality rate is comparable to that observed nationwide. Injuries, the leading cause of death in childhood, is the focus of this year's report. The rate of death due to childhood injuries is higher in South Dakota than is observed nationwide. Injuries are responsible for 51% of all deaths among 1 to 4 year olds, 70% of those of 5 to 14 year olds and 82% of all deaths of those 15 to 19 years of age. Strategies for the prevention of this tragic loss of life are discussed and the continued need for broad-based educational efforts and public policy that promote safe habits is described.