Faculty Publications

Infant Mortality and Racism in the United States

Document Type

Article

Keywords

infant mortality, racism

Journal/Book/Conference Title

International Journal of Undergraduate Research & Creative Activies

Volume

10

Issue

1

Abstract

Significant health disparities exist in the United States with regard to infant mortality, a sensitive indicator of a nation’s health. The US has one of the highest infant mortality rates among OECD countries at nearly 6 infant deaths for every 1,000 live births. The rate for Black Americans (11.11 per 1,000) is more than double the rate for White Americans (5.06 per 1,000). Black American women are at higher risk of experiencing risk factors for infant mortality including preterm birth, low birthweight, and prenatal stress. The experience of racism from childhood through adulthood (personal experiences, vicarious experiences, and institutionalized structural racism) is likely a significant contributor to the disparity in infant mortality. This paper reviews the evidence for this and examines racism as a public heath issue.

Department

Department of Nursing and Public Health

Original Publication Date

10-16-2023

DOI of published version

10.7710/2168-0620.1097

Link to Full Text

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