The final report of a statistical study of 1,737 childhood deaths in Maine from 1976-80 by cause and age also looks at distribution of deaths by cause and age in Maine's low-income population. The findings showed disease was the major cause of death (1,068 deaths) followed by accidents (578 deaths), suicide (50 deaths), and homicide (29 deaths). Disease caused most deaths of children under 5 years; accidents caused most deaths for children 5-19 years. Maine's overall child death rate, as well as rates for disease-related causes, accidents other than motor vehicle, fire, or drowning, and homicide were significantly lower than national rates. The rate of accidental deaths due to fire was significantly higher than the national rate. Deaths due to motor vehicle accidents or drownings were slightly lower than the national rate. Maine's death rates for children under 5 years were significantly lower than national rates. Maine death rates for children of all ages in low-income families were three times higher than corresponding rates for other children for all causes except suicide and homicide. A methodological summary and numerous tables present the statistics. Appendices include additional discussion of methodology, detailed supporting tables, and copies of state information forms. (LFL)