INFANT-MORTALITY AND RELATED RISK-FACTORS AMONG ASIAN-AMERICANS

To examine differences in perinatal health among nine Asian ethnic subgroups, a descriptive epidemiological study Was conducted using linked birth/infant death certificates for 1982 to 1987. When compared with Whites, Asians had a lower proportion of young mothers, unmarried mothers, and women who received first trimester prenatal care; a higher proportion of foreign-born mothers; and a different birthweight distribution. A great deal of heterogeneity was found in risk factors and infant mortality rates among the various Asian ethnic subgroups. Paradoxically, although Asian ethnic subgroups had a,higher perinatal risk profile, they had more favorable birth outcomes than did Whites.