State of South Dakota's child: 1998

Births in South Dakota again decreased in 1997, continuing an ongoing trend that began in 1980. Progress in 1997 was noted in the use of first trimester prenatal care and the rate of low birth weight in the State remained lower than that observed nationally. The State's infant mortality rate for 1997 showed a continuation of the favorable shift in rates of the last decade that was initiated with the progress observed in 1996. Smoking and drinking during pregnancy is higher in South Dakota than noted nationally. How and why substance abuse prevention efforts must begin during childhood is discussed in this review. Currently, the rates of smoking and alcohol use are higher among South Dakota teens than noted nationally, and have increased over the past six years. Approaches to preventing substance abuse for the sake of the health and well being of youth and their potential future children are presented.