Child Health
Data definitions, limitations & uses • Data Sources 

The path towards healthy growth and development in later years is established to a large degree in the first six years of life. Research has shown that the most rapid period of brain development occurs in the first few years of life and that the experiences of early childhood have a lasting effect on an individual's future learning capacity and health. Positive stimulation in the early years of life improves learning, behaviour and health into adulthood. School readiness is an important indicator of development, maturity and future success in the school system.

In Leeds, Grenville and Lanark (LGL), in 1996, children (persons under 19) made up 27% of the population (see figure 1). By the year 2021 only 22% of the population in LGL will be made up of children (see figure 2). In addition, the actual number of children living in the region is predicted to remain stable over that time (see figure 3). Between 1981 and 1996 there were 467 deaths among children (0-19) in LGL, unintentional injuries, congential anomalies, and conditions arising in the perinatal period accounted for 34% , 19% and 19% of these deaths, respectively. During this time period (1981-1996) the total mortality rate among children (persons 0-19) has been decreasing. This trend is observable in both Ontario and LGL, where childhood mortality rates have been very similar over time (see figure 4).

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Children under 1
Infant mortality is recognized internationally as one of the most important measures of the health of a community and its children. Infant mortality is understood as an indicator of: health status, level of health care in an area, and the effectiveness of prenatal care.
In Leeds, Grenville and Lanark (LGL), the infant mortality rate has dropped significantly in the last fifteen years (see figure 5). Infant mortality is higher in males than females. However, this is usually offset by a slightly higher male live birth rate. In LGL, between 1991 and 1996, the infant mortality rate was 6.2 deaths per 1000 live births for males and 5.8 deaths per 1000 live births for females. These rates are very similar to those observed in Ontario for those same years.
In LGL, between 1981 and 1996, 212 infants died before their first birthday. The two leading causes of deaths among these infants were, conditions originating in the perinatal period (such as repiratory distress, prematurity and low birth weight) accounting 42% of all infant deaths, and congenial anomalies, accounting for 30% of infant deaths (see figure 6).

Of all infant deaths, 147 (69%) deaths occurred in the neonatal period (the first seven days of life). Among these, the leading cause of death was sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). SIDS accounted for 22% of all neonatal deaths between 1981 and 1996 in LGL. Death rates from SIDS can be lowered by keeping infants on their backs while sleeping, breast feeding infants, and keeping infants in a smoke-free environment.

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Children 1-4
A key to keeping many childhood illnesses at bay is to maintain a high rate of immunized children. By the age of two, children should have received four doses of the vaccine against Pertussis, Diptheria, Tetanus, Polio and Haemophilus influenzae, in addition to one dose of the vaccine against Measles, Mumps and Rubella. Although, we don't have accurate data on the immunization of children at this age we do have immunization coverage rates of children as they enter the school system (see Immunization).
Among children 1-4 in LGL, between 1981-1996, congenital anomalies and unintentional injuries were the leading causes of death (see figure 7). Among these causes of death congenital anomalies of the heart and motor vehicle collisions and drownings were leading causes of death. Asthma is one of the leading causes of hospitalization among children, accounting for 10% of hospitalizations among 0-4 years olds in LGL between 1994-1997. Age-specific hospitalization rates for asthma are highest among 0-4 year olds (see figure 8).

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Children 5-9
Children 5 to 9 years of age build on early life experiences. They become more independent, as the environments beyond their home and family become more important to their lives. Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death in this age group. Between 1981 and 1996 unintentional injuries, mostly resulting from motor vehicle collisions (MVCs), accounted for 43% of all deaths occurring in children 5 to 9  (see figure 9).

Children 10-19
Most children in this age group are quite healthy. In the combined regions of Leeds, Grenville and Lanark, Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington and Hastings and Prince Edwards, 75% of children 12-19 reported either very good or excellent health in 1996 (see figure 9b).
In children 10 to 19, adolescents begin to establish their independence. They experience dramatic physical and emotional changes associated with puberty. Friends become important influences over adolescents; however, strong support from family, school and the community remain extremely important. Substance use and abuse, suicide rates and measures of psychological well being (such as depression), are important indicators of the health of adolescents. Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death among this age group, and are particularly high among young people aged 15 to 19  (see figure 10).

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Dental Health
The dental health of children has improved significantly in the past 20 years. The fluoridation of municipal water supplies, and knowledge and performance of preventive care has contributed to this improvement.
The dental health index (def/DMF) is used to monitor and assess the dental health of children in communities. The index deals only with tooth decay (the most common dental disease among children). Teeth missing or filled as a result of injury, orthodontic, or other treatment, are excluded from the index.
The def/DMF index in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark (LGL) in 1997 to 1998 was 1.06. This means that every child (5 to 13 years of age) has on average 1.06 teeth affected by dental carries (i.e. decayed and/or filled) (see figure 11). Over time in LGL (between 1972-1997), declines in the def/DMF have been observed in each age group surveyed (i.e. 5, 7, 9, 11 and 13 year olds). In each of these years, the average index scores were highest for 9 year olds. However, over time, the largest decreases in the index have also been observed in 9 year olds in LGL. In 1993 to 1994, the def/DMF index values for each age group were very similar in LGL to Ontario.
Interestingly, in the past few years (between 1994 and 1997), the percent of students arriving in kindergarten (approximately age 5) who have been carrie immune (never having had a cavity) has increased. In 1994, 70% of all 5 year olds in LGL were carrie immune, compared to 75% of 5 year olds who were carrie immune in 1997. This 5% increase from 1994 to 1997 in LGL's kindergarten children never having had a cavity, may reflect improved dental health of children in the region.

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Data definitions, limitations & uses
Total (Crude) Death Rate
Infant Mortality
Dental Index
Carries Immune Children

Data Sources
Ontario Mortality Database
Population Estimates Database
Census 1996
Population Projections Database

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