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State-level progress in reducing the black-white infant mortality gap, United States, 1999-2013

Author

Listed:
  • Speights, J.S.B.
  • Goldfarb, S.S.
  • Wells, B.A.
  • Beitsch, L.
  • Levine, R.S.
  • Rust, G.

Abstract

Objectives. To assess state-level progress on eliminating racial disparities in infant mortality. Methods. Using linked infant birth-death files from 1999 to 2013, we calculated state-level 3-year rolling average infant mortality rates (IMRs) and Black-White IMR ratios. We also calculated percentage improvement and a projected year for achieving equality if current trend lines are sustained. Results. We found substantial state-level variation in Black IMRs (range = 6.6-13.8) and Black-White rate ratios (1.5-2.7), and also in percentage relative improvement in IMR (range = 2.7% to 36.5% improvement) and in Black-White rate ratios (from 11.7% relative worsening to 24.0% improvement). Thirteen states achieved statistically significant reductions in Black-White IMR disparities. Eliminating the Black-White IMR gap would have saved 64 876 babies during these 15 years. Eighteen states would achieve IMR racial equality by the year 2050 if current trends are sustained. Conclusions. States are achieving varying levels of progress in reducing Black infant mortality and Black-White IMR disparities. PublicHealthImplications.Racialequalityininfantsurvivalisachievable,butwillrequireshifting our focus to determinants of progress and strategies for success.

Suggested Citation

  • Speights, J.S.B. & Goldfarb, S.S. & Wells, B.A. & Beitsch, L. & Levine, R.S. & Rust, G., 2017. "State-level progress in reducing the black-white infant mortality gap, United States, 1999-2013," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 107(5), pages 775-782.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2017.303689_0
    DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2017.303689
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    Cited by:

    1. Benjamin Sosnaud, 2022. "Reconceptualizing Measures of Black–White Disparity in Infant Mortality in U.S. Counties," Population Research and Policy Review, Springer;Southern Demographic Association (SDA), vol. 41(4), pages 1779-1808, August.
    2. D. Mark Anderson & Kerwin Kofi Charles & Daniel I. Rees & Tianyi Wang, 2019. "Water Purification Efforts and the Black-White Infant Mortality Gap, 1906-1938," Working Papers 2019-075, Human Capital and Economic Opportunity Working Group.
    3. Anderson, D. Mark & Charles, Kerwin Kofi & Rees, Daniel I. & Wang, Tianyi, 2019. "Water Purification Efforts and the Black-White Infant Mortality Gap, 1906-1938," IZA Discussion Papers 12783, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    4. D. Mark Anderson & Kerwin Kofi Charles & Daniel I. Rees & Tianyi Wang, 2019. "Water Purification Efforts and the Black-White Infant Mortality Gap, 1906-1938," NBER Working Papers 26489, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.

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