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)

Examined effects of family structure on adequacy of prenatal care and birth outcomes using data for 18,594 women who experienced either live birth, fetal death, or infant death in 1988. Found major differences in effect of family structure across racial/ethnic groups. Effect of family structure was less important for black or white women than for…

Data from interviews with 1,787 women in rural Bangladesh revealed that infant mortality was highly correlated with smaller birth interval and absence of contraceptive use, followed by younger age of mother, prior pregnancy loss, smaller family landholdings, and birth of less preferred sex. Contains 49 references. (Author/SV)

Prenatal care, though providing invaluable health education, including parenting instruction and contraceptive advice as well as medical supervision, is seriously limited for poor women. Suggests ways of surpassing barriers of ignorance, fear, lack of child care and transportation, and lack of skilled medical translators, and calls for more…

The civic community perspective focuses on local social and economic institutions that buffer communities from external, often global forces. Important community organizations such as locally oriented business establishments, civic organizations, associations, and churches are emphasized. These critical entities are posited to benefit a…

Despite general evidence of fetal toxicities associated with sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), there has been limited research focusing on the effects of parental alcohol use on SIDS occurrence, either directly or in interaction with other risk conditions. The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on parental, especially maternal,…

We evaluated the effects of an intervention designed to increase the variety of positions experienced by infants in a child-care setting. Six student teachers were trained, using a multicomponent intervention, to reposition infants according to a chart. The intervention was successful in increasing the mean percentage of correct position changes…

This study uses data from the "Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS] 1999-2000" to investigate the predictors of child (age 1-4 years) mortality in a developing country like Bangladesh. The cross-tabulation and multiple logistic regression techniques have been used to estimate the predictors of child mortality. The…

This brief report suggests that it is evident that many uncertainties still remain with regard to neonatal narcotic dependence. Discussion centers on the precise causes and symptoms of neonatal narcotic dependence, the most efficacious treatment procedures, the relative severity of heroin dependence as compared with methadone dependence in the…

The reproductive health of first generation, non-Hispanic Caribbean immigrants in New York were studied. Descriptive profiles of risk factors and reproductive outcomes were developed and compared to those of other populations. These data provide a foundation for planning and implementing health programs to meet the needs of this immigrant group.…

Addresses the tragedy of crib deaths, giving particular attention to causes, prevention, and medical research on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Gives anecdotal accounts of coping strategies used by parents and families of SIDS infants. (DT)

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)

Presents documentation of behavioral contributions to fetal and infant damage, disease, and death. Suggestions are made for interventive strategies for social workers to use at the policy, program, and case levels to help improve the outcome of pregnancy. A review of the literature is also included. (Author/JAC)

Using vital records for live births which occurred in New York City in 1968, and infant deaths among them, this study of Risks, Medical Care, and Infant Mortality examined the characteristics of prenatal care among pregnant women from a wide range of racial, social, and economic backgrounds. (Author/SB)

Examines how, as medical advances drastically reduced infant and child mortality rates, the field of pediatrics expanded from singular concern with treating children's diseases to include involvement in managing troublesome behavior. Considers the continued involvement of pediatricians in ministering to the psychosocial and behavioral needs of…