Related Experiment Videos
Native American infant mortality in Wisconsin
D McCusker1, H Clifton, N Miller-Korth
1EpiCenter, Great Laked Inter-Tribal Council, Inc., Wisconsin.
WMJ : Official Publication of the State Medical Society of Wisconsin
|February 7, 2001
Summary
The Wisconsin American Indian Infant Mortality Review Project (WAIIMR) studied infant deaths to improve maternal and child health. Key factors like prenatal care access and maternal smoking require further investigation to reduce Native American infant mortality rates.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Maternal and Child Health
Background:
- Infant mortality rate (IMR) is a key public health indicator.
- Wisconsin's Native American IMR has decreased but still lags behind national goals.
- Unmet health needs and environmental factors contribute to IMR.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify local factors contributing to Native American infant deaths in Wisconsin.
- To recommend health initiatives for improving infant and maternal health.
- To analyze discrepancies in risk factors between racial groups.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Wisconsin American Indian Infant Mortality Review Project (WAIIMR).
- Incorporated recent Wisconsin birth record data.
- Examined risk factors including prenatal care and maternal smoking.
Main Results:
- Identified specific risk factors contributing to infant mortality among Native Americans.
- Highlighted racial disparities in prenatal care utilization and maternal smoking during pregnancy.
- Found these disparities warrant further in-depth investigation.
Conclusions:
- Native American communities are actively addressing maternal and child health risks.
- Initiatives like "Honoring Our Children" aim to mitigate identified risk factors.
- Continued focus on prenatal care and smoking cessation is crucial for reducing IMR.