Measures Of Infants Health Outcomes Measures Of Infants Health | 2016 Health Of Women And Children Report

Executive Summary Introduction Explore the Health of Women, Children and Infants Findings The Health of Women and Children between States The Health of Women and Children within States Healthy Communities for Children Clinical Preventive Services for Children Racial Disparities in Measures of Mortality Variations in Smoking Measures of Women's Health Behaviors | Measures of Women’s Health Community & Environment | Measures of Women’s Health Policy | Measures of Women’s Health Clinical Care | Measures of Women’s Health Outcomes | Measures of Women’s Health Measures of Infants' Health Behaviors | Measures of Infants’ Health Community & Environment | Measures of Infants’ Health Policy | Measures of Infants’ Health Clinical Care | Measures of Infants’ Health Outcomes | Measures of Infants’ Health Measures of Children's Health Behaviors | Measures of Children’s Health Community & Environment | Measures of Children’s Health Policy | Measures of Children’s Health Clinical Care | Measures of Children’s Health Outcomes | Measures of Children’s HealthState Summaries

Alabama

United StatesAppendixData Sources and Measures of Women’s Health Data Sources and Measures of Infants’ Health Data Sources and Measures of Children’s Health Methodology Model Development America’s Health Rankings® Health of Women and Children Steering Group The Team

2016 Health of Women and Children Report 2016 Health of Women and Children - Chart Pack 2016 Health of Women and Children - Executive Summary

Infant Mortality
Over 23,000 US infants died in 2014. Significant progress has been made in the past 50 years to reduce infant mortality, but the US rate remains consistently higher than other developed countries. The top five causes of infant death are birth defects, preterm birth and low birthweight, maternal complications of pregnancy, sudden infant death syndrome, and injuries. These causes account for 57% of infant deaths. The infant mortality rate is significantly higher for non-Hispanic blacks, unmarried mothers, and mothers younger than 15 years. Differences in infant mortality rates across the United States are largely driven by socioeconomic status. 

Number of infant deaths (before age 1) per 1,000 live births
Data source: National Vital Statistics System, 2012–2013 For details: www.americashealthrankings.org/ALL/IMR_MCH

Low Birthweight
Low birthweight (LBW) — one of the five leading causes of US infant mortality — indicates current and future child health as well as maternal health. Potential medical problems in infants with LBW include respiratory distress syndrome, bleeding in the brain, heart problems, retinopathy, and intestinal disorders. There may be a connection between LBW and chronic adulthood diseases such as type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. Women who smoke are nearly twice as likely to have a LBW baby as women who do not smoke. Other significant maternal risk factors include diabetes, high blood pressure, insufficient weight gain during pregnancy, unemployment, and low education or income level.  

Percentage of infants weighing less than 2,500 grams (5 pounds, 8 ounces) at birth
Data source: National Vital Statistics System, 2014 For details: www.americashealthrankings.org/ALL/lowbirthweight_MCH

Neonatal Mortality
Infant mortality is divided into two age periods: neonatal (birth to 27 days) and postneonatal (28 to 364 days). Approximately two-thirds of all infant deaths occur in the neonatal period. The leading causes of neonatal mortality include disorders related to short gestation and low birthweight, congenital malformations, and maternal complications. Improving access to and use of ongoing prenatal care may reduce the risk of neonatal mortality by addressing maternal obesity, tobacco, and alcohol use. In addition, home health visits after birth could help reduce the incidence of sudden infant death syndrome and accidents, which also contribute to neonatal mortality. 

Number of deaths during first 28 days of life (0 to 27 days) per 1,000 live births
Data source: National Vital Statistics System, 2014 For details: www.americashealthrankings.org/ALL/neonatal_mortality

Preterm Birth
Preterm birth is the greatest contributor to infant death and a leading cause of long-term neurological disabilities. The risk of death or serious disability is higher the earlier the baby is born, with most preterm birth-related deaths occurring in babies who were born very prematurely (before 32 weeks). While causes of preterm birth are numerous and not well understood, there are several known risk factors. These include maternal age, race/ethnicity, low income or education, high stress levels, high blood pressure, prior preterm birth, carrying more than one baby, tobacco and alcohol use, intrauterine infection, and late prenatal care. 

Percentage of live births before 37 weeks gestation
Data source: National Vital Statistics System, 2014 For details: www.americashealthrankings.org/ALL/pretermbirth_MCH