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Ruth Ann Styron, Registered Nurse and Sarah Neal, Registered Nurse. Enviorments of Health, School of Nursing, 1111 Middle Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202-5107, 3172974871, usmrnbsn@aol.com
Infant mortality rate is defined as the rate at which babies less than one year of age die, and is an important indicator of a population’s health. Nationally, the infant mortality rate is higher than many other industrialized nations, although the rate declined to 6.9 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2000. Indiana’s infant mortality rate has persisted at a rate higher than that of the nation for the past decade, and was at 7.7 deaths per 1,000 in 2000. A marked racial disparity in Indiana’s infant mortality rate is also evident, as the mortality rate for white infants was 6.7 per 1,000 live births in 2000, while African American infants died at a rate of 15.9 per 1,000 live births during the same year. The trend mirrors a problem at the national level, in which African American infants die at twice the rate of white infants. Madison and Marion counties in Indiana also struggle with high infant mortality rates and disparities between Caucasian and African American infants. The four primary causes of infant death in the United States include conditions related to short gestation and low birth weight, respiratory distress syndrome, congenital anomalies, and sudden infant death syndrome. In Madison and Marion counties, some of the issues directly related to infant mortality include delayed prenatal care, high birth rates among teens, and tobacco use during pregnancy. These lifestyles can be changed to prevent high rates of infant mortality, promote healthy birth outcomes and a healthier community.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.