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. 2017 May;107(5):775-782.
doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2017.303689. Epub 2017 Mar 21.

State-Level Progress in Reducing the Black-White Infant Mortality Gap, United States, 1999-2013

Joedrecka S Brown Speights  1 , Samantha Sittig Goldfarb  1 , Brittny A Wells  1 , Leslie Beitsch  1 , Robert S Levine  1 , George Rust  1
Affiliations

State-Level Progress in Reducing the Black-White Infant Mortality Gap, United States, 1999-2013

Joedrecka S Brown Speights et al. Am J Public Health. 2017 May.

Erratum in

  • ERRATUM.
    [No authors listed] [No authors listed] Am J Public Health. 2018 Apr;108(4):e14-e16. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2017.303689e. Am J Public Health. 2018. PMID: 31329666 Free PMC article.

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. Public Health Implications. Racial equality in infant survival is achievable, but will require shifting our focus to determinants of progress and strategies for success.

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