POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS

The United States has an increasingly diverse population, which is demonstrated by the socio-demographic characteristics of children and their families. Over one-quarter of the population is under 20 years of age.

At the national, State, and local levels, policymakers use population information to address health-related issues that affect mothers and children. By carefully analyzing and comparing data, workers in the health field can often isolate high-risk populations that require specific interventions. Policymakers can then tailor programs to meet the needs of these children and their families.

This section presents data on several population characteristics that have an impact on maternal and child health program development and evaluation. Included are data on the age distribution of the population of the United States, the racial and ethnic makeup of the child population, poverty status, child care arrangements, and school dropout rates:

> Population of Children

> Children of Foreign-Born Parents

> Children in Poverty

> School Dropouts

> Maternal Age

> Working Mothers and Child Care