Comparative Study of Infant Mortality in the Texas / Mexico Border Area of Laredo / Nuevo Laredo
Author: Ortiz, Alfonso
Date Published: 1984
This study analyzes the direct causes of infant death in populations with higher risk of infant death. The study originated from a Policy Research Project on maternal and child health on the U.S. -Mexico border conducted at The LBJ School of Public Affairs in the academic years of 1981-1983. The report contrasts the mortality experience in Laredo and Nuevo Laredo for t he first year of life of the 1980, 1981, and 1982 live birth cohort. It examines the effect of a number of maternal and infant characteristics traditionally associated with greater risk of infant death, including age at death, cause of death, birth weight, length of pregnancy, timing and quality of prenatal care, age of mother, birth order, education and/or occupation of parents, institution and attendant at birth. In accomplishing this analysis birth and death records were linked, and distribution tables and mortality indicators were computed. The purpose of this analysis was to identify population groups in Laredo and Nuevo Laredo associated with higher risk of infant death. Identification of these population groups and their relevant maternal and infant characteristics would serve to help develop appropriate health planning strategies. This study found high but declining rates of infant and post neonatal mortality in Nuevo Laredo. More than half the infant deaths were in the 28-364 days of life. Predominant maternal and infant characteristics for mothers and children in Nuevo Laredo show high incidence levels of intestinal diseases, a very young profile of mothers, and limited or no prenatal care at all for a great majority of childbearing women. Most of the mothers reported being housewives. Low infant mortality rates were found in Laredo, where most of the infant deaths are in the first 27 days of life. Low birth weight and/or gestational age account for a large percent of the infant death rates in Laredo.
Date Published: 1984
This study analyzes the direct causes of infant death in populations with higher risk of infant death. The study originated from a Policy Research Project on maternal and child health on the U.S. -Mexico border conducted at The LBJ School of Public Affairs in the academic years of 1981-1983. The report contrasts the mortality experience in Laredo and Nuevo Laredo for t he first year of life of the 1980, 1981, and 1982 live birth cohort. It examines the effect of a number of maternal and infant characteristics traditionally associated with greater risk of infant death, including age at death, cause of death, birth weight, length of pregnancy, timing and quality of prenatal care, age of mother, birth order, education and/or occupation of parents, institution and attendant at birth. In accomplishing this analysis birth and death records were linked, and distribution tables and mortality indicators were computed. The purpose of this analysis was to identify population groups in Laredo and Nuevo Laredo associated with higher risk of infant death. Identification of these population groups and their relevant maternal and infant characteristics would serve to help develop appropriate health planning strategies. This study found high but declining rates of infant and post neonatal mortality in Nuevo Laredo. More than half the infant deaths were in the 28-364 days of life. Predominant maternal and infant characteristics for mothers and children in Nuevo Laredo show high incidence levels of intestinal diseases, a very young profile of mothers, and limited or no prenatal care at all for a great majority of childbearing women. Most of the mothers reported being housewives. Low infant mortality rates were found in Laredo, where most of the infant deaths are in the first 27 days of life. Low birth weight and/or gestational age account for a large percent of the infant death rates in Laredo.
