Open AccessClass, race, and infant mortality in the United States.
Author(s) -
Carol J. Hogue,
Martha A. Hargraves
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
american journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.284
H-Index - 264
eISSN - 1541-0048
pISSN - 0090-0036
DOI - 10.2105/ajph.83.1.9
Subject(s) - racism , infant mortality , poverty , race and health , social class , public health , race (biology) , psychological intervention , health equity , health care , medicine , demography , population , environmental health , economic growth , political science , sociology , gender studies , nursing , law , economics
As a result of Sweden's efforts to eliminate poverty and to provide comprehensive health care, there are only small social class differences in infant mortality. The wider social differences in US infant mortality are a consequence of less consistent and thorough attempts at social equity and universal health care. US Black infant mortality continues to be twice that of Whites, and the excess may partially result from racism. Public health research should examine the role of racism in infant mortality and develop interventions to eliminate racism and its effects on the health of Black Americans.