This report examines the determinants of the high level of infant mortality in Washington, D.C. Data were analyzed for 36,872 black resident single-delivery births occurring in the years 1980 through 1984, and 762 infant deaths occurring to these birth cohorts from 1980 to 1985. Findings were the following: (1) poor birthweight distribution among…

The purpose of this report is to address the impact of several federally funded health programs serving rural Texans. The first section presents an overview of the statistical indices which demonstrate the current health status of rural Texans (health care problems of rural Texans exceed those of urban Texans, yet rural Texans have fewer resources…

This booklet presents evidence which links the effects of unplanned pregnancies on the health of the mother and child. The first section identifies the causes of high mortality and morbidity rates among children. Teenage child-bearing, child-bearing past the age of 35, family size and birth intervals are discussed. The second section presents…

From 1956-1960 an estimated 34,000 infants annually failed to survive in many parts of the United States due to risks far in excess of those for some areas of the country. There is a growing gap between death rates for white and nonwhite infants in the United States, with the excess mortality rate of nonwhite infants continuing to rise. Only 15…

Although significant research on child development has been undertaken in the Third World, Euro-American paradigmatic limitations have prevented policymakers from applying the knowledge gained to child development programs there. Several suggestions are made for altering the situation. (PS)

Addresses the problems of child survival and development in developing countries by discussing the biomedical causes and the concomitant social determinants of high infant mortality rates. Describes four intervention strategies recommended by UNICEF: growth monitoring, oral rehydration therapy, breast feeding, and immunization. (HOD)

The intention of this research is to contribute additional data, hopefully bearing on the solution to some of the problems and indirectly, the cause(s) of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, and to present ideas for consideration for future SIDS research. (Author/RK)

This brief Kids Count report reviews principal adverse birth outcomes that affect the status of infants in Montana, including infant mortality and low birth weight. Statistics and brief summaries are provided in the following areas: (1) infant mortality (on the decline since 1989); (2) low birth rate (remaining steady from 1988 through 1992); (3)…

Addresses the causes for and implications of infant mortality. Besides the more immediate causes such as disease, nutrition, and lifestyle, there are the additional hurdles of government bureaucracy, lack of funds, and institutional attitudes that block access to prenatal care. Suggests structural solutions, including a consistent, individual,…

Examined whether associations between prenatal substance use and birth and infant outcomes varied by maternal age and race. Data on all singleton live births in Minnesota from 1990-98 indicated that poor birth outcomes and infant death were generally lower for whites than for African Americans and American Indians. Prenatal substance use varied by…

This curriculum was first published in June 1998 to be used by qualified health and safety trainers to fulfill part of the learning needs and licensing requirements of child care providers (Health and Safety Code, Section 1596.866) in California. This second and updated edition of Module 2, Prevention of Injuries, covers the content of the…

In 1978, the Surgeon General established objectives to be met by 1990 for maternal and child health. Using statistical data, this report by the Children's Defense Fund evaluates the extent to which those objectives have been met. In particular, data gathered in this report show: (1) the nation failed to meet goals for increasing prenatal care, and…

This document describes an agenda for the first 5 years of a comprehensive effort to eliminate childhood lead poisoning. In 1984, between 3 and 4 million children were estimated to have blood lead levels high enough to adversely affect intelligence and behavior. Lead in the home environment, especially lead-based paint, is the major source of lead…

This document reviews China's population trends and policies since the People's Republic was founded in 1949. Areas addressed include: population growth before 1949, population growth from 1949-1982, and policy responses to population growth (including wan xi shao: later marriages, longer intervals between birth, and fewer children); mortality…

The oral testimony of health professionals recorded in this document questions the Federal government's success at assuring prenatal care for poor women. The concern is that many of the infant deaths that occur in the United States might be prevented if the mother had received adequate prenatal care. Programs have improved the health care delivery…