Patterns of Infant Mortality in Texas' Triethnic Population During 1993 Through 1995

摘要

This study evaluated the patterns of infant mortality in relation to birth weight, gestational and maternal age, parity, and prenatal care in Texas' triethnic population from 1993 through 1995 using Texas Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics data. A similar study was conducted by Verrier et al. (1994) using data compiled by the Texas Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics from 1984 through 1986. Verrier et al. (1994) found that the overall infant mortality rate (IMR) was 8.4 per 1000 live births. For Anglo, Hispanic and Black births, the IMRs were 7.4, 7.8 and 13.4 respectively. This study found that the overall MR during 1993 through 1995 was 6.2. IMR was 5.5, 5.7 and 11.2 for Anglo, Hispanic and Black births respectively. The Texas' Health Objective for the year 2000 included reducing the overall IMR from 8.0 in 1990 to less than 7.0 by the year 2000. This objective has been met. However, the IMR disparity among ethnic groups continues, as similarly described by Verrier et al. (1994).