A Century of Children's Health and Well-Being. Child Trends Research Brief.

Although the last 100 years have seen dramatic improvements in the health of U.S. children, there remain racial and ethnic disparities. This research brief presents data illustrating improvements in children's health and the need for further progress. The brief also examines new morbidities among American youth, such as obesity, early sexual activity, and alcohol and drug use. Trends are described and presented graphically for the following, showing racial/ethnic differences: (1) life expectancy at birth; (2) infant mortality; (3) child death rates; (4) youth death rates; (5) deaths from pneumonia and influenza; (6) children's health status; (7) chronic health conditions; (8) child vaccinations; (9) median educational attainment; (10) child poverty; (11) median net worth of household; (12) children living in two-parent households; (13) families with three or more children; (14) unemployment among 20- to 24- year-old men; (15) substance use; (16) overweight adolescents; (17) sexual activity; (18) contraception use at first intercourse; and (19) gonorrhea. The report concludes by noting that remarkable success has been achieved in reducing infant and child mortality, and in eradicating or controlling major diseases and health conditions that could lead to death or disability. However, trends in risk-taking behaviors suggest that new approaches will be needed to reduce risk-taking and address racial and ethnic disparities. (KB)