Neonatal mortality in Utah

Area of Science:

• Perinatal Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Sociology of Religion

Background:

• Neonatal mortality remains a significant public health concern.
• Parental health practices, including substance use, are known risk factors for neonatal outcomes.
• Socio-cultural factors may influence health behaviors and, consequently, neonatal mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between religious activity and neonatal mortality.
• To assess if Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) membership and activity level serve as a proxy for parental health practices.
• To determine differential neonatal mortality rates based on LDS activity levels.

Main Methods:

• A cohort study design was employed, analyzing white singleton births in Utah from January to June 1975.
• Parental membership and activity within the LDS Church were used as indicators of health practices (e.g., tobacco and alcohol abstinence).
• Statistical analysis evaluated neonatal mortality rates, adjusting for potential confounding factors.

Main Results:

• Low activity LDS members exhibited an excess risk of neonatal death approximately five times greater than high activity LDS members.
• A statistically significant increased risk for low activity LDS members was observed (95% confidence interval upper bound of 7.9).
• Active LDS members demonstrated consistently lower neonatal mortality rates compared to less active members and non-LDS individuals.

Conclusions:

• Higher levels of activity within the LDS Church are associated with reduced neonatal mortality.
• LDS membership and activity can serve as a proxy for healthier parental practices, contributing to lower neonatal death rates.
• These findings highlight the potential impact of religious affiliation and associated lifestyle choices on neonatal health outcomes.