Health and Wellness

Impact 4: Optimal Health Status

The community indicators on this page provide an overview of how Santa Cruz County residents are doing in key areas of this community impact. This helps us understand how our community is doing overall, and whether particular people or areas in the county are experiencing greater challenges or hardships that need to be addressed. To learn more about any community indicator, click See More Data.

Indicators

Birth Outcomes

Babies born with low birth weight are more likely than babies of normal weight to have health problems and require specialized medical care in the neonatal intensive care unit.

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Compared to CA Counties, Santa Cruz has a value of 7.8% which is in the best 50% of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value lower than 8.8% while counties in the worst 25% have a value higher than 9.4%. Compared to CA Counties, Santa Cruz has a value of 7.8% which is in the best 50% of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value lower than 8.8% while counties in the worst 25% have a value higher than 9.4%.

Preterm Births

Compared to CA Counties, Santa Cruz has a value of 5.6% which is in the best 50% of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value lower than 6.7% while counties in the worst 25% have a value higher than 7.2%. Compared to CA Counties, Santa Cruz has a value of 5.6% which is in the best 50% of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value lower than 6.7% while counties in the worst 25% have a value higher than 7.2%.

Babies with Low Birthweight

County: Santa Cruz

(Compared to CA Counties)

Indicators

Teen Birth Rate

Teen birth is of concern for the health outcomes of both the mother and the child. Pregnancy and delivery can be harmful to teenagers' health, as well as social and educational development. Babies born to teen mothers are more likely to be born preterm and/or low birth weight. Responsible sexual behavior reduces unintended pregnancies, thus, reducing the number of births to adolescent females.

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