DECREASE IN DEATHS FOR CHILDREN UNDER FIVE
Awareness of the leading causes of death among children can lead to intervention strategies to help prevent mortality. Many of these deaths are preventable through preconception health care, early and ongoing prenatal care, and public education initiatives to reduce the incidence of common accidents.[1] This indicator measures the leading causes of death for infants under one year old and children ages one through four in San Bernardino County.
TREND
The number of deaths for children under five decreased 18% in a one-year period, from 160 deaths in 2021 to 131 deaths in 2022. The long-term trend is also down, with a decline of 43% since 2013.
Among infants, the number of deaths decreased 26%, from 143 in 2021 to 106 in 2022. The long-term trend is also down, falling 48% since 2013.
Among children aged one through four, the number of deaths increased 47%, from 17 deaths in 2021 to 25 deaths in 2022. Since 2013, however, deaths among children ages one through four decreased 14%.
NUMBER OF DEATHS FOR CHILDREN UNDER FIVE DECLINING
Count of Deaths Due to All Causes for Children Under Five in San Bernardino County, 2013-2022
Similarly, there has been a decline in the death rate per 100,000 children, dropping 38% from 149.7 deaths for children under five in 2013 to 92.8 deaths per 100,000 in 2022.
DEATH RATE FOR CHILDREN UNDER FIVE FALLS 38% IN 10 YEARS
Death Rate Due to All Causes for Children Under Five in San Bernardino County, 2013-2022
Maternal pregnancy complications affecting the newborn tops the list of leading causes of infant deaths, followed by congenital defects / chromosomal abnormalities. For young children, ages 1-4 years, accidents are the leading causes of death, followed by cancer.
MATERNAL PREGNANCY COMPLICATIONS MOST FREQUENT CAUSE OF INFANT DEATHS
Leading Causes of Death for Infants in San Bernardino County, 2022
Infants (Under Age One)
| Cause of Death | Number of Deaths |
|---|---|
| Maternal pregnancy complications affecting newborn | 56 |
| Congenital defects/chromosomal abnormalities | 17 |
| Complications of placenta, cord & membranes | 12 |
| All other causes | 21 |
| TOTAL | 106 |
Young Children (Ages 1-4)
| Cause of Death | Number of Deaths |
|---|---|
| Accidents (unintentional injuries) | 6 |
| Cancer, including leukemia | 4 |
| Assault (homicide) | 3 |
| Congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities | 3 |
| COVID-19 | 2 |
| All other causes | 7 |
| TOTAL | 25 |
[1] National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, et. al. “Vibrant and Healthy Kids: Aligning Science, Practice, and Policy to Advance Health Equity,” National Academies Press, 25 Jul 2019, Chapter 5 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551477/)