State of South Dakota's Child: 1997

The total number of live births in South Dakota in 1996 (10,469) was nearly identical to that reported in 1995, showing a stabilization in the 19% decrease in births noted between 1980 and 1993. Following a decade of little progress in improving the state's infant mortality rate, 1996 showed a significant (p < .05) decrease in this rate from its previous five year mean of 9.5 infant deaths per 1,000 live births. The 60 infant deaths in the state in 1996 yield an infant mortality rate of 5.7, much lower than the 7.2 rate noted nationally. From previous five year mean rates, the total neonatal mortality rate decreased by 42% and the post neonatal rate decreased by 34%. Decreases were noted during each of these periods of infancy for both white newborns and those of color. In 1996 there was a decrease from the mean 1993-95 rate of perinatal causes of infant death (e.g. short gestation, respiratory distress syndrome) for all populations of infants in South Dakota. For white infants there was a decrease in the rate of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and of deaths due to congenital anomalies. For American Indians there was a decrease in the rate of infant deaths due to injuries. As the total number of births is small in South Dakota, caution must always be exercised as data from one year are examined. Time will tell if the decrease in infant mortality noted in 1996 signals a new trend. Recognizing the need for communities to examine the unique causes and circumstances of childhood deaths in their local areas, the concept of infant and child mortality committees is discussed as a means of initiating prevention activities that protect young life.