| Examination of pediatric deaths is important not only to ensure the well-being of children but to aid in the prevention of future pediatric deaths (The National Center for the Review and Prevention of Child Deaths, n.d.). This problem is particularly important in underserved areas in California. Compared to the national and California rates, the Central Valley has a higher infant mortality rate. The purpose of this study was to provide summaries of data on pediatric deaths (i.e., children between the ages of 0 and 17) across noncoroner and coroner cases that occurred in a county within the Central Valley between 2011 and 2012, and for pediatric homicide cases from 1999 to 2009. The goal was to determine statistical trends in cases, identify patterns in data that may lead to cost-effective and timely interventions to prevent or reduce the occurrence of pediatric deaths, and to compare trends with literature and with other data on pediatric deaths and population statistics. Differences and similarities in patterns were found between noncoroner and coroner cases as well as coroner and homicide cases regarding age of decedent, gender of decedent, race of decedent, and decedents area of residence. Variable interactions demonstrated that females are likely to die at younger ages from natural causes, while males are likely to die in older childhood from injury-related causes. On the basis of these findings, it is suggested that interventions to prevent or reduce the occurrence of future pediatric deaths must consider the age of the child as a serious risk factor. Interventions must also take into account the gender, race, and place of residence of the child. Interagency collaboration is necessary to support and facilitate comprehensive information gathering on pediatric deaths. Appropriate documentation and collation of known parental and child risk factors are required to yield appropriate interventions to prevent future pediatric deaths. |
