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Some mechanisms linking economic inequality and infant mortality
1Harris School of Public Policy Studies, University of Chicago, 1155 E. 60th, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. s-mayer@uchicago.edu
Social Science & Medicine (1982)
|November 20, 2004
Summary
Economic inequality is linked to increased infant mortality, particularly in the neonatal period. This association is driven by economic segregation, outweighing the mitigating effect of increased healthcare spending.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Sociology
- Economics
Background:
- Economic inequality is a growing concern with potential public health implications.
- Understanding the determinants of infant mortality remains a critical public health objective.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between state-level economic inequality and infant mortality in the United States.
- To explore potential mechanisms linking economic inequality to infant deaths, including non-linearity, economic segregation, and healthcare spending.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the United States Vital Statistics Linked Infant Birth and Death Records (1985, 1987, 1991).
- Employed statistical analysis to assess the relationship between economic inequality and neonatal and post-neonatal mortality.
- Controlled for maternal age, race, and state characteristics.
Main Results:
- Economic inequality was significantly associated with higher neonatal mortality rates, even after controlling for confounding factors.
- No significant association was found between economic inequality and post-neonatal mortality.
- Economic segregation emerged as a key mediator, increasing infant mortality, while increased state healthcare spending partially offset this effect.
Conclusions:
- Economic inequality contributes to increased neonatal infant mortality, primarily through enhanced economic segregation.
- While increased healthcare spending associated with inequality offers some protection, its effect is insufficient to counteract the negative impact of segregation.
- Policy interventions addressing economic segregation may be crucial for reducing infant mortality in unequal states.
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