A 23% decline in neural tube defects occurred in the United States from 1996 to 2001 following mandatory folic acid fortification. This dataset contains prevalence data for spina bifida and anencephaly in live births, compiled by the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics from birth certificates. The data covers the period 1991-2001, excluding Maryland, New Mexico, and New York for trend consistency.
Use Cases
- Analyzing trends in spina bifida and anencephaly prevalence based on the reported time series data.
- Evaluating the public health impact of folic acid fortification based on the reported 23% decline in neural tube defects.
- Modeling the annual number of prevented birth defects based on the estimate of 920 fewer affected infants per year.
Strengths
- Data covers a critical 11-year period (1991-2001) spanning the implementation of mandatory folic acid fortification.
- Reports a specific 23% decline in neural tube defects and estimates 920 fewer affected infants born annually.
- Compiled from a national source, the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics, using birth certificate data.
Limitations
- Row count and column-level documentation are unknown, which limits suitability assessment.
- Data for 2001 is preliminary, and data from three states (Maryland, New Mexico, New York) is excluded for trend consistency.
Provenance
- Source
- CDC's National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS)
- Collection Method
- Compiled from checkboxes on birth certificates.
- Time Range
- 1991-2001
- Geography
- United States (excluding Maryland, New Mexico, and New York for trend consistency)