DHSS Press Release |
Date: September 30, 2005 DHSS-96-2005 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Jay Lynch, Communications Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 Email: jay.lynch@state.de.us |
Contact: Heidi Truschel-Light Phone: (302) 744-4907 Pager: (302) 247-1560 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DPH RELEASES STATE'S VITAL STATISTICS ANNUAL REPORT
Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) released the Vital Statistics Annual Report for 2003. The 252-page report features statistics that are essential to identify and understand the challenges facing Delaware as it strives to improve the health of its residents. The document includes information from six types of reported events: births, deaths, marriages, divorces, fetal deaths, and induced terminations of pregnancy.
Delawares general fertility rate continued its gradual increase, and for the second year, health officials have seen a decrease in Delaware's mothers who smoked. According to the 2003 report, 85.1 percent of all Delaware's pregnant women received prenatal care in the first trimester, surpassing the national average.
The three leading causes of death in Delaware for the period of 1999-2003 continued to be heart disease, cancer, and stroke. Other highlights from the report include:
- The neonatal mortality rate increased slightly since 1998-2002 from 6.4 to 6.7. Meanwhile, the post neonatal mortality rate remained stable.
- 1999-2003 teen birth rates (15-19 years of age) were highest in Sussex County at 60.5 and lowest in New Castle at 41.9.
- Medicaid paid for 41 percent of all deliveries in 2003 compared to 38.9 in 2002.
- From 1999-2003, accidents were the number one cause of deaths for individuals 1-44 years of age, and were responsible for 47 percent of all deaths for people 1-24 years of age.
- The median duration of marriage for couples divorced in 2003 was 8.3 years.
Vital statistics are useful in developing health and social programs, targeting resources, and measuring progress in achieving goals. The report is used by a variety of health providers and state and private health and social service agencies.
For a copy of the 2003 Delaware Vital Statistics Annual Report, call 744-4541 or visit our website at www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/hp/2003.html
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.
