Background
Infant mortality in the city of Racine is a serious problem. During 2004, infant mortality in the city of Racine was as follows:
- Non-Hispanic black = 35/1000
- Non-Hispanic white = 4.0/1000
Although Racine is a small urban community, the rate of infant mortality is higher than that of Milwaukee. In the city of Racine, the rate of infant deaths among African-American infants is 28 per 1000, which is higher than the city of Milwaukee (WI 2005 statistics). During 2005, 12 out of 16 that died were premature and weighed less than 1000 grams at birth. Although most women in this community receive prenatal care by the end of the first trimester, the disparity in fetal and infant mortality remains.
Purpose
To develop a formal FIMR process to explore prenatal, intrapartal, and neonatal factors that may contribute to the high fetal and infant mortality rate in the city of Racine.
Objectives
- Conduct review of prenatal, inpatient, outpatient, and vital statistics records for 2006-2008.
- Develop an intervention study based on results of this review.
Activities
Phase I: Examine potential risk of prenatal, intrapartal, neonatal, and infant events that may be related to increase risk of fetal and infant death.
Phase II: Home interviews of families who have experienced a fetal or infant death to allow mothers to share their stories about their experiences.
Timeline
May 21, 2007 – May 25, 2008
Funding Source
- Center for Urban Population Health’s Center Scientist Development Program through the Wisconsin Partnership Fund
Partner Institutions
University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee:
- Teresa S. Johnson, Ph.D., R.N.
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare – All Saints:
- Margaret Malnory, M.S.N., R.N.
- Duane Stitch, M.D.
City of Racine Health Department:
- Thelma Jones, M.S.N., R.N.
City of Milwaukee Health Department:
- Karen Michalski, M.A., M.S.W.
Racine Infant Mortality Coalition
Center for Urban Population Health:
- Dale Steber, M.S.
