Accidents are, by far, the leading cause of death among children and
adolescents.
THE TOP THREE CAUSES OF DEATH BY AGE GROUP
0-1 years:
- Developmental and genetic conditions that were present at birth
- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- All conditions associated with prematurity and low birth weight
1-4 years:
- Accidents
- Developmental and genetic conditions that were present at birth
- Cancer
5-14 years:
- Accidents
- Cancer
- Developmental and genetic conditions that were present at birth
15-24 years:
- Accidents
- Homicide
- Suicide
There are almost twice as many deaths in the first year of life than
there are in the next 13 years total. Then, the death rate rises rapidly
following puberty because of the large number of deadly accidents,
homicides, and suicides in the 15-24 year age group. These three causes of
death in teens should all be preventable.
What is preventable?
CONDITIONS PRESENT AT BIRTH
Some birth defects cannot be prevented. However, some problems may be
diagnosed during pregnancy. Such conditions, when recognized, may be
prevented or treated while the baby is still in the womb or immediately
upon birth.
Evaluation may include genetic screening of the parents, parental
medical histories and childbearing history, chorionic villus sampling,
amniocentesis, and fetal ultrasound.
SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome)
Putting infants on their back to sleep helps reduces the chance of
SIDS. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the U.S. Centers for Disease
Control recommend that infants be placed on their back for sleeping.
PREMATURITY AND LOW BIRTH WEIGHT
Death due to prematurity frequently results from a lack of prenatal
care. If you are pregnant, and not receiving prenatal care, call your
health care provider or your state's department of health. Most state
health departments have programs that provide prenatal care to mothers,
whether or not they have insurance or are able to pay.
Education about the importance of prenatal care should be made
available to all sexually active and pregnant teens.
SUICIDE
Overall teenage suicide rates in the 1990's were higher than those in
the 1980's for all races. It is important to watch teens for signs of
stress, depression, and suicidal behavior. Two-way communication between
the troubled adolescent and parents or persons of trust is extremely
important in preventing adolescent suicide.
HOMICIDE
Homicide is one of the most disturbing causes of death among children
and adolescents. Sociologists feel that the increase of gangs, teenage
homicide, teenage suicide, teenage pregnancy, school drop-out, and other
problems are a reflection of a rapidly changing society and family
structure. Homicide is a complex issue which does not have a simple
answer. Prevention will require understanding of the root cause and a
willingness on the part of the public to change those causes.
AUTO ACCIDENTS
The automobile accounts for the largest number of these accidental
deaths. Make sure that all infants and children use the proper child car
seats, booster seats, and seat belts.
Other top causes of accidental death are drowning, fire, falls, and
poisoning.