The low mortality rates of Chinese infants: some plausible explanatory factors

The objectives of this paper are: (1) to describe the differential infant mortality rates between Chinese and white Americans; (2) to identify and evaluate the commonly suspected factors for the low infant mortality rates observed among Chinese in the United States; and (3) to explore alternative explanatory factors for the low death rates of Chinese infants by drawing upon a body of current sociomedical research regarding the effects of smoking and drinking on fetal development, preterm delivery and low birthweight in non-Chinese populations. Anthropological studies on Chinese pre- and post-natal health practices--both in Taiwan and in the United States--are also discussed. The data come primarily from U.S. birth and death records. Where available, both published and unpublished data on Chinese infant mortality from Hong Kong Colony. Taiwan Province and Mainland China, are also presented for purposes of comparison.