Studying the Impact of Prenatal WIC Participation on Infant Mortality

Grand Canyon University
Introduction to Nursing Research
NRS-433V
Kathy Skromme
August 15, 2014

Studying the Impact of Prenatal WIC Participation on Infant Mortality
Infant Mortality is a barometer of a community or nation’s health. Globally the poor have higher infant mortality rates (IMR) than those with greater resources. In the United States, there are many programs designed to bridge the gap between the poor and rich, and reduce infant mortality in those with less access to resources. Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is one such program and has had substantial impact on IMR in the poor in the US. The study performed by Khanani, Elam, Hearn, Jones & Maseru, “The Impact of Prenatal WIC Participation on Infant Mortality and Racial Disparities”, examined the value of WIC as a public health intervention which sought to improve birth outcomes and reduce racial disparities.

In 2011 24,000 infants died in the United States. (CDC, 2012). The rate of death for non-Hispanic Black infants was twice the rate of non-Hispanic White infants. There were five leading causes of infant death identified by the CDC, which were: 1. Born with serious birth defects 2. Born too small and too early 3. Victims of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) 4. Affected by maternal complications of pregnancy 5. Victims of injury Healthy People 2020 has used the baseline from 2006 of 6.7 infant deaths per 1,000 live births which occurred in the first year of life as the basis for their goal of 6.0 deaths per 1,000 births by the year 2020. (Healthy People 2020, 2010). To reach these goals there must be emphasis on bridging disparities. “Social determinants of health (economic status, race, ect.) lead to health disparities and inequities on health status across the life course of