title: Infant mortality in Oklahoma, 1970-1990.
abstract: Patterns of infant mortality in Oklahoma are unlike the rest of the United States. Oklahoma has a significantly higher post neonatal mortality rate than the United States, with SIDS and congenital disorders being the leading causes of death in that age group. Conversely, Oklahoma has a significantly lower neonatal mortality rate than the United States. Vital statistics information for the period 1970-1990 are examined to describe patterns of infant death in Oklahoma. Despite long-term decreasing trends in infant death, disconcerting trends were observed in 1990 suggesting that a stronger infant mortality reduction strategy is needed in Oklahoma. Potential areas for public health intervention are suggested based on Oklahoma-specific data.
authors.affiliation: Maternal and Infant Health Service, Oklahoma State Department of Health.
authors.forename: T D
authors.initials: TD
authors.lastname: Dye
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: DePersio
authors.forename: E D
authors.initials: ED
authors.lastname: Rhoades
authors.forename: T D
authors.initials: TD
authors.lastname: Webb
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lorenz
mesh_terms: D002423:Cause of Death; D006801:Humans; D007226:Infant Mortality / Q000639:trends*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009825:Oklahoma / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies