Indiana State Health Improvement Plan (I-SHIP) - State of Indiana

INDIANA STATE HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Partnering for the Public’s Health
INFANT MORTALITY
An increase in overall infant mortality rates in Indiana occurred from 1998
to 2004, with a steady decline more recently from 2004 to 2007. White
infant mortality rates demonstrate a similar trend, peaking at a rate of 6.9
infants per 1,000 in 2004 and 2005, with a decline to 6.5 in 2007. Black
infant mortality rates however, continue to reveal significant disparities.
While overall black infant mortality rates have decreased from 17.1 to
15.7 over the past decade, the nearly triple rate when compared to white is
a significant concern in Indiana. The neonatal period remains paramount
with regard to efforts to reduce infant mortality in the state, as a significant
number of infant deaths during this period may be prevented with
preconception and prenatal care.
TABLE 1.20 INFANT MORTALITY RATES IN INDIANA
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Total 7.5 7.8 7.7 7.6 7.6 7.4 8.1 8.0 7.9 7.5
White 6.3 6.8 6.7 6.8 6.5 6.4 6.9 6.9 6.4 6.5
Black 17.1 17.0 15.9 13.6 15.6 15.9 17.1 16.9 18.1 15.7
Rates per 1,000 live births
Source: Indiana State Department of Health, Epidemiology Resource Center, Data Analysis Team