Infant Mortality Rate in the US Sample

Infant Mortality Rate in the US Sample

Explain your Views on the Infant Mortality Rate in the US

The infant mortality rate is relatively high within the US and it is a key indicator of infant and maternal health, as well as a vital maker of the overall societal health. Infant Mortality Rate in the US Sample

In my opinion, the major contributing factor to the high infant mortality rate within the US is premature births. Premature births are due to various maternal causes such as hypertension, diabetes, as well as controllable risk factors such as alcohol use, tobacco use, and substance abuse.  In addition, the key issue regarding lack of universal access to quality prenatal care is a major contributing factor to the high infant mortality rate (Chen et al, 2016). This means high quality, accessible and efficient prenatal care can significantly lower the mortality rate within the US. This is because expectant mothers will be able to get the appropriate healthcare services during pregnancy and also get the relevant education and nutritional services during prenatal care. Infant Mortality Rate in the US Sample

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Secondly, I think that race is an important factor when it comes to the infant mortality rate within the US. The infant mortality rate is likely to be higher among African American mothers when compared to white mothers. Studies have shown that maternal deaths are higher among African American mothers when compared to white mothers (Kim & Saada, 2015). In addition, African Americans suffer from racial discrimination and the stress and consequences resulting from this discrimination contribute to infant mortality. The racial disparities coupled with unequal healthcare systems play a significant role in infant mortality (Chen et al, 2016).

Education is also another factor that affects infant mortality. Higher education is associated with lower infant mortality rate and vice versa. For example, educated mothers are likely to provide better care to their infants by providing them with nutritious foods, ensure access to the required healthcare services, and by observing the required hygiene practices. As the evidence indicates, infants born to better-educated parents within the US tend to have higher survival rates (Chen et al, 2016).

References

Chen A, Oster E & Wlliams  H. (2016). Why Is Infant Mortality Higher in the United States Than in Europe? Am Econ J Econ Policy. 8(2): 89–124.

Kim D & Saada A. (2015). The Social Determinants of Infant Mortality and Birth Outcomes in Western Developed Nations: A Cross-Country Systematic Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 10(6), 2296–2335. Infant Mortality Rate in the US Sample