POVERTY AND INFANT-MORTALITY IN THE UNITED-STATES

Examines the theoretical and empirical relationship of income poverty to infant mortality differentials in the contemporary United States. Using national data gathered in 1964-65, this study estimates the relative impact of a variety of biological, social, and economic factors upon the risk of infant death. Methods for the analysis of multidimensional contingency tables permit the combination of birth and death data, and coefficient estimates from these models provide estimates of relative risks of infant death observed in varius subpopulations. The persistence of poverty and the continuing unequal distribution of health care resources to pregnant women and young mothers in the United States imply the reproduction of these differentials to the present day. Increasing access to health services and increased help to families through income supports and employment programs are indicated as possible policy actions to reduce these differentials. -Author