Determined the age group for defining early adolescent childbearing based on rates of adverse clinical outcomes. Data on infant mortality, very low birth weight, and very pre-term delivery per 1,000 live births for women age 12-23 years in the 1995 U.S. birth cohort indicate that early adolescent childbearing is best defined as giving birth at age…

This report is one in a series by the Food Research and Action Center celebrating the achievements of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) in its 25-year history. The report documents the growth in WIC participation nationally and in each state during the program's history. Following a brief discussion…

This is a transcript of a hearing held to examine the extent and causes of hunger in the United States. Witnesses presenting testimony included a Boston pediatrician, two representatives from the Physician Task Force on Hunger in America, the Chairman of the House Select Committee on Hunger, and a professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene…

Provides critical commentary on Nicholas Eberstadt's assertion that low-weight births and infant mortality among blacks in Washington, DC, is mainly the result of high rates of illegitimacy and other parental behaviors. Nicholas Eberstadt's response is included. (GLR)

Discusses socioeconomic factors that lead to disproportionate rates of low birthweight and high infant mortality in the Black population. Calls for national policy efforts that would remove financial barriers to premedical care and provide adequate income support for all. (GC)

Compares annual rates of neonatal, postneonatal mortality to annual rates of low birth weight, 1963-1982. Shows that same level of decline in incidence of low birth weight is associated with greater decline in mortality rates of non-White than White infants and for nonmetro than metro infants. Contains 15 references. (Author/DHP)

Evaluates the impact of two health services projects for high-risk mothers and infants in two counties of northwest Mississippi which had shown high infant mortality and morbidity. Reports that one of the ICHP projects did improve prenatal care, but neither program significantly influenced pregnancy outcomes (as measured by low birth weights). (KH)

This article describes the Preconceptional Intervention Program, a model used among women in 12 Florida counties who are at high risk for low birth-weight delivery. Preconceptional intervention identifies high risk women, provides educational programs, and provides adequate preconceptional and prenatal medical care. (IAH)

This report provides an overview of infant mortality rates in congressional districts represented by members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC). The 1989 or 1990 mortality rates for Blacks and Whites for the 25 districts represented by CBC members are presented, as well as rates for the overall population. An appendix provides data on Black,…

Recently, reports have indicated that, after years of steady decline, infant mortality has begun to increase in a number of communities throughout the United States. Many of these reports come from areas experiencing high levels of unemployment. While the dimensions and causes of this problem are not entirely understood, strong indications exist…

Discusses the National Commission to Prevent Infant Mortality's research concerning infant mortality and low birth weight. Also discusses the Commission's public policy efforts regarding the health of children, infants, and pregnant women. (RJC)

A model of the impact of structural advantage and disadvantage on infant mortality rates was developed and fitted to county-level data. Advantage and disadvantage had significant direct effects on infant mortality in urban areas but had smaller indirect effects in rural areas, being mediated by rates of teenage childbearing and low birth weight.…

Mississippi continues to lead the nation in excessive infant deaths, as shown by the 1984 infant mortality rate of 14.4 deaths per 1,000 live births. This report offers recommendations for actions that should be taken by various entities to rectify the problem. Recommendations are made in the areas of (1) public awareness of teen pregnancy…

This text is designed to accompany a series of slides that present information on Missouri's attempts to reduce minority infant mortality. In Missouri, the rate of black infant mortality is twice that for whites, and blacks are twice as likely as whites to be born with low birthweight. Only 64.9 percent of black women receive prenatal care in the…

This review of seven Healthy People objectives for the nation's 100 largest cities and their surrounding areas documents considerable but inconsistent progress toward improving health in urban and suburban areas. It describes achievements in reaching Healthy People 2000/2010 goals, which were created by the Office of the Surgeon General of the…