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Ethnic differences in causes of infant mortality: Texas births, 1989 through 1991

G R Kerr1, J Ying, W Spears

  • 1School of Public Health, University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center 77225, USA.

Texas Medicine
|September 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

African-American infant mortality in Texas is double that of other groups, linked to preterm birth and low birth weight. Addressing these adverse pregnancy outcomes is crucial but won't fully resolve the racial disparity in infant deaths.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Perinatal Health

Background:

  • The infant mortality rate among African-American infants in Texas is approximately double that of Anglo and Hispanic infants.
  • This disparity is partly attributed to a higher risk of preterm birth and low birth weight among African-American infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the specific causes of infant deaths in Texas between 1989-1991.
  • To identify causes contributing to the racial difference in infant mortality.
  • To investigate causes associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of infant death data from 1989-1991 in Texas.
  • Comparison of infant mortality rates across racial groups (African-American, Anglo, Hispanic).
  • Stratification of deaths by association with adverse pregnancy outcomes and specific causes of death.

Main Results:

  • Overall infant mortality rate was 8.27 per 1000 live births, with African-American infants at 15.32.
  • Adverse pregnancy outcomes were associated with 48% of African-American infant deaths.
  • Infant mortality rates for 30 of 59 causes were at least 1.5 times higher for African-American infants compared to Anglo and Hispanic infants.

Conclusions:

  • Reducing adverse pregnancy outcomes in African-American women would decrease, but not eliminate, the racial infant mortality gap.
  • Significant racial disparities exist across numerous causes of infant death, not solely linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes.
  • Addressing the Texas racial infant mortality discrepancy requires understanding and mitigating factors increasing risks for adverse pregnancy outcomes and infant mortality in African-American populations.

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