National vital statistics reports : from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics, National Vital Statistics System
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This report presents final 2002 data on U.S. deaths and death rates according to demographic and medical characteristics such as age, sex, Hispanic origin, race, marital status, educational attainment, injury at work, State of residence, and cause of death. Trends and patterns in general mortality, life expectancy, and infant and maternal mortality are also described. A previous report presented preliminary mortality data for 2002. ⋯ Generally, mortality patterns in 2002 were consistent with long-term trends. Life expectancy in 2002 increased again to a new record level. The age-adjusted death rate declined to a record low historical figure. However, the infant mortality rate increased in 2002. The infant mortality rate has either decreased or remained level each successive year through 2001 since 1958. Trends for homicide and injury at work were interrupted due to the terrorist deaths that occurred September 11, 2001. The homicide rate decreased significantly from 2001 to 2002 and dropped to the 14th leading cause of death. Deaths due to injury at work also declined significantly during this period.