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A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting
Published on: January 12, 2018
Racial/ethnic disparities in infant mortality
Panagiota Kitsantas1, Kathleen F Gaffney
1Department of Health Administration and Policy, MS 1J3, George Mason University, College of Health and Human Services, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA. pkitsant@gmu.edu
Journal of Perinatal Medicine
|January 6, 2010
Summary
Black infants face higher postneonatal mortality risks, while inadequate prenatal care impacts all groups. Early prenatal care and support programs are key to reducing infant deaths.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal epidemiology
- Public health
- Biostatistics
Background:
- Infant mortality remains a critical public health concern, with varying risks across racial and ethnic groups.
- Understanding the predictors of neonatal and postneonatal mortality is essential for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine predictors of neonatal and postneonatal mortality among infants born to Black, White, and Hispanic women.
- To identify disparities in infant mortality risk factors across different racial/ethnic groups.
Main Methods:
- Utilized linked birth/infant death records from North Carolina (1999-2007).
- Employed logistic regression models to analyze maternal and infant characteristics influencing mortality.
- Differentiated between neonatal (<28 days) and postneonatal (28-364 days) mortality.
Main Results:
- No significant racial/ethnic differences in neonatal mortality were observed.
- Black infants exhibited a higher risk of postneonatal death.
- Inadequate prenatal care increased neonatal mortality risk across all groups.
- Specific risk factors for postneonatal death varied by race/ethnicity (e.g., SIDS, LBW/prematurity, infections in Black infants).
Conclusions:
- Early initiation of prenatal care is crucial for all racial/ethnic groups.
- Access to appropriate obstetric and neonatal services is vital.
- Parenting support programs for infants born with low birth weight or prematurity can reduce mortality.
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