Women living longer - infant mortality dropping

In 2003 Washington had a lower percent of low-weight births, a lower infant mortality rate, and a higher life expectancy rate than the nation as a whole.

These are just a few of the highlights from the Washington State Department of Health report, Vital Statistics, 2003. “This report is full of helpful information and is used by many people throughout our state to understand trends, identify high-risk populations, set priorities and target prevention activities,” said Dr. Pat Starzyk, the report’s co-author.

Births

For decades, there has been a consistent decline in the rate of births in Washington. And although more than 80,000 babies were born in 2003, the birth rate is among the lowest recorded. Dr. Starzyk explains, “The total number of new births is increasing, but the birth rate, which is the number of births per 1,000 population, is declining.”

Washington’s percent of low-weight births is lower than the national average, but our low birth weight births have been increasing since 1990 - in part, but not entirely due to the increase in multiple births.

The percent of expectant mothers who received prenatal care during their first trimester worsened in 2003. In prior years the percent of moms receiving first trimester prenatal care was approximately 83 percent. In 2003 the percentage dropped to 81.5. This year also marked the highest proportion of mothers in the past 10 years who received late or no prenatal care.Birth certificates underwent important changes in 2003. People may now report as many races as they choose. Nearly 3 percent of mothers reported belonging to more than one race group.

Birth certificates now collect information on smoking patterns prior to pregnancy and by trimester during pregnancy. The new data shows women reduce their smoking during pregnancy; 13 percent of mothers smoked in the three months before pregnancy compared to 10 percent during the first trimester and 9 percent for the second and third trimesters.

The top baby name changed in 2003. Emma became the top name for girls in 2003, replacing Emily, which had been the top name for seven years. Ethan replaced Jacob as the top name for boys in 2002, but Jacob regained the lead in 2003, a lead it had for eight other years.

Deaths

Although more than 45,000 Washington residents died in 2003, the age-adjusted death rate was the lowest it has been in the last 10 years. Men’s age-adjusted death rate was 924 deaths per 100,000 population, decreasing 12 percent from the 10-year high point. For women the rate was 671.4, decreasing 5 percent from its high point. Even with these declines, the 2003 age-adjusted mortality rate for men is 1.4 times higher than women. Men are expected to live to age 76 and women until 80.

Heart disease and cancer accounted for more than 48 percent of all deaths in 2003. The 10 leading causes of death (http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehsphl/chs/chs-data/death/download/deathC2.xls) accounted for more than 80 percent of all deaths among residents.

There was a decrease in infant mortality in 2003. There were 5.6 deaths per 1,000 live births compared to 6.2 ten years ago (1994).

Marriages and divorces

In 2003 more than 39,000 couples got married and more than 26,000 divorces occurred. King County (the most populous county) took the lead with 11,250 marriages and 5,637 divorces. Garfield County (the least populous county) had the least - 15 marriages and eight divorces.