DHSS Press Release |
Date: April 20, 1999 DHSS-13-1999 |
| Gregg C. Sylvester, M.D., Secretary Jennifer Castleberry, Communication Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 |
Contact: Jennifer Castleberry Phone: (302) 255-9037 Pager: (302) 247-8523 |
NEW VITAL STATISTIC REPORT SHOWS HIV/AIDS DEATHS CUT IN HALF
The number of HIV Infection/AIDS deaths in Delaware declined by more than half according to the 1997 Delaware Vital Statistics Annual Report, released today by Delaware Health and Social Services (DHSS) The report also reflects continued, steady progress in reducing the state's infant mortality and cancer mortality rates. Further challenges remain, however, in the area of prenatal care and births to single mothers. The report is compiled annually by the Delaware Health Statistics Center within DHSS after an analysis of marriage, divorce, birth and death records.
There were 60 HIV Infection/AIDS deaths in 1997, a dramatic drop when compared to the 132 AIDS deaths in 1996. For the first time since HIV Infection/AIDS mortality rates were reported in the early 1980s, the rates have decreased. The rate dropped from 12.1 deaths per 100,000 persons in 1992-1996 to 11.4 in 1993-1997.
Other highlights from the report include:
- The Delaware infant mortality rate continued to drop from 7.9 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1992-1996 to 7.8 in 1993-1997.
- The number of births to Delaware residents (10,247) increased for the first time since 1991. Of the total births, 11.6 percent had a midwife in attendance.
- After steadily increasing for a number of years, the state's cancer mortality rate dropped for the third consecutive five-year period. Heart disease, cancer and stroke, however, continued to be the three leading causes of death in Delaware and the nation.
- Median age at death varied by race-sex group (white males - 73, white females - 79, black males - 64, black females - 71). The median age at death changes slowly with the overall age being 73 in 1987 and 75 in 1997.
- Thirty-five percent of births during the 1993-1997 period were to single mothers, up slightly from 34.3 percent the previous five-year period. Only 60.9% of single mothers received adequate prenatal care during 1997, compared to 80.1% of married mothers.
- The percentage of babies delivered by cesarean section has slowly but steadily declined from a peak of 25.2% in 1990 to 21.0% in 1997. The likelihood of a C-section delivery varied by source of payment (23.4% for private insurance, 17.0% for Medicaid and 13.5% for self-pay).
- The percentage of mothers receiving adequate prenatal care decreased from 74.0% in 1996 to 73.2% in 1997.
- In 1997, the number of marriages (5,372) increased from the previous year, whereas divorces (3,009) decreased.
Vital statistics are useful in developing health and social programs, targeting resources and measuring progress in achieving goals. This information is used by a variety of health providers and social service agencies throughout the state.
"Our commitment to improve the health and well-being of Delawareans is evident in Delaware's reduced infant mortality rate and lower HIV/AIDS death rates, said Gregg C. Sylvester, M.D., Secretary of Health and Social Services. "We must not, however, rest on our laurels because there is still a lot to do to promote healthy lifestyles and ensure that people live life to the fullest."
According to Governor Thomas R. Carper, "This report provides us with an annual benchmark to measure the success of programs that help support and strengthen Delaware families. I am pleased to see continued progress in our efforts to reduce infant mortality and cancer mortality. Programs to tackle those challenges are paying dividends measured by lives saved. I also remain committed to seeing more mothers receive good prenatal care here in the First State - we have more work to do in this area."
MEDIA NOTE: For copies of the report, please call Jennifer Castleberry at (302) 255-9037. Copies are available for pick up at the Delaware Health & Social Services New Castle Campus in the Main Building, Room 161 or in Dover at the Jesse Cooper Building in Room 125.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
