Disparities in Infant Mortality: Are Sociocultural Risk Factors Shaped by Institutionalized Racism?

The United States has one of the highest infant mortality rates among countries with similar economies. In addition, significant disparities are present between races within this health indicator. According to the CDC, the infant mortality rate in 2013 among non-Hispanic whites was 5.06 infant deaths per 1,000 live births; the infant mortality rate for Black Americans was 11.11 - more than double. The purpose of this research is to explore a) sociocultural risk factors for disparities in infant mortality rates and b) whether institutionalized racism contributes to those risk factors. The social ecological model will be used as a theoretical framework. Literature was examined to determine whether and how experiences related to racism contribute to this health disparity in infant mortality. A better understanding of the possible ways institutionalized racism affects infant mortality and our nation’s health will help communities develop health promotion efforts to end this disparity