National Trends in the Perinatal and Infant Health Care of Rural and Urban American Indians (AIs) and Alaska Natives (ANs)
Description:
While there have been dramatic improvements in AI/AN maternal and child health since these measures were first recorded in the mid-1950s, significant disparities persist between AI/AN and non-AI/AN populations in the United States. This study (1) examined trends in prenatal care use, low-birthweight rate, and the neonatal and postneonatal mortality rates in rural and urban AI/AN populations nationally between 1985 and 1997, and compared these trends in the white populations during the same time period; (2) examined trends in causes of death for rural and urban AI/AN populations nationally between 1985 and 1997, and compared these trends to the white population during the same time period; and (3) analyzed trends in our study measures for AI/AN and white populations by Census region, division, and Indian Health Service (IHS) Service Areas. The study used the National Linked Birth Death Data Set at three points in time: 1985-1987, 1989-1991, and 1995-1997, and compared rates of inadequate prenatal care, low birthweight, neonatal and postneonatal death, and causes of death between rural AI/ANs and Caucasians in each of the three time periods, as well as over time. Funded by HRSA’s ORHP.
Status:
Complete