Although African American (AA) infant mortality has decreased in the 21st century, AA neonates and infants continue to die at three times the rate of white infants in the state of Colorado. A notable explanation for this troubling fact comes from a direct link of toxic stress before and during the childbearing years. Consequently, these babies are often born prematurely or have low birth weights, which directly affects their survivability outside the womb.
Infant mortality has significantly decreased for all races since the early 1990’s through targeted in-service programs, emphasis on emergency obstetrics, and newborn resuscitation skills. Although these efforts have had a positive impact on birth outcomes, AA infant mortality rates continue to remain significantly higher than their white counterpart across the United States (U.S.). Various studies have been conducted to determine identifiable determinants for such disparities. Subsequently, research has found that traditional risk identifiers such as social-economics and lack of education do not adequately account for all racial disparities, specifically in AA communities.
Infant mortality has significantly decreased for all races since the early 1990’s through targeted in-service programs, emphasis on emergency obstetrics, and newborn resuscitation skills. Although these efforts have had a positive impact on birth outcomes, AA infant mortality rates continue to remain significantly higher than their white counterpart across the United States (U.S.). Various studies have been conducted to determine identifiable determinants for such disparities. Subsequently, research has found that traditional risk identifiers such as social-economics and lack of education do not adequately account for all racial disparities, specifically in AA communities.
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