Infant mortality in the United States: trends, differentials, and projections, 1950 through 2010.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined long-term trends and differences in infant mortality in the United States from 1950 through 1991 according to race and ethnicity, education, family income, and cause of death. Forecasts are made through the year 2010.


METHODS
Log-linear regression models were applied to data from the National Vital Statistics System, National Linked Birth and Infant Death files, the National Maternal and Infant Health Survey, the National Natality Survey, and the National Infant Mortality Survey to model and forecast infant mortality.


RESULTS
Dramatic declines in the US infant mortality rate have occurred in the past 4 decades, largely as a result of declines in mortality from pneumonia and influenza, respiratory distress syndrome, prematurity and low birthweight, congenital anomalies, and accidents. Despite the overall reductions, however, substantial racial/ethnic, educational, and income differences in infant mortality still exist.


CONCLUSIONS
The long-term downward trend in US infant mortality has not benefited Blacks and Whites equally. The Black/White disparity in infant mortality has not only persisted but increased over time and is not expected to diminish in the near future. Educational inequalities have also widened, and racial disparities have generally increased across all educational levels.
Singh
G K
GK
National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Hyattsville, MD 20782, USA.
Yu
S M
SM
D000328:Adult; D002423:Cause of Death; D003644:Death Certificates; D004522:Educational Status; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007223:Infant; D007226:Infant Mortality / Q000639:trends*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009035:Mothers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology