Racial and ethnic disparities in infant mortality rates--60 largest U.S. cities, 1995-1998

MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2002 Apr 19;51(15):329-32, 343.

Abstract

During the 20th century, U.S. infant mortality rates (IMRs) declined by 90%; however, many of the largest U.S. cities continue to have high IMRs compared with national rates. Studies of U.S. infant mortality by region document persisting geographic disparities and differences across racial/ethnic groups. This report highlights the wide disparities in the most recent overall race- and ethnicity-specific IMRs for the largest U.S. cities and describes key differences among those cities. The findings demonstrate the need to decrease infant mortality among blacks in U.S. cities.

MeSH terms

  • Black or African American / statistics & numerical data*
  • Hispanic or Latino / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant Mortality*
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • United States / epidemiology
  • Urban Population
  • White People / statistics & numerical data*