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International infant mortality rates: bias from reporting differences
1Mathematica Policy Research, Washington, DC 20024.
American Journal of Public Health
|May 1, 1994
Summary
US infant mortality rates appear lower than reported due to inconsistent international reporting standards for very-low-birthweight infants and perinatal deaths. Standardizing these calculations is crucial for accurate global comparisons.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Demography
- Perinatal Medicine
Background:
- The United States' international infant mortality ranking has declined post-WWII, raising national concern.
- Existing international comparisons may be skewed by varying data collection methodologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential biases in international infant and perinatal mortality rate comparisons.
- To highlight the need for standardized reporting conventions in vital statistics.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of international infant mortality reporting practices.
- Examination of definitions and inclusion criteria for very-low-birthweight infants and perinatal deaths.
Main Results:
- Significant international variations exist in the reporting of very-low-birthweight infants.
- Discrepancies in the inclusion of perinatal deaths likely bias comparative mortality rates.
Conclusions:
- International differences in reporting practices create a bias in infant and perinatal mortality statistics.
- Adoption of uniform reporting standards is essential for accurate global health assessments.