U.S. infant mortality rates rise for first time in 2 decades.

According to a new government report, infant mortality rates in the United States have risen for the first time in over 20 years. The overall mortality rate and the rate for neonatal infants increased by 3% from 2021 to 2022, while the mortality rate for infants older than 28 days rose by 4%. The report also highlights that infant deaths caused by maternal complications increased by 8% and those caused by bacterial sepsis rose by 14%. Experts suggest that the increase could be due to underlying healthcare issues, unusual circumstances, or the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The rise in infant mortality rates was particularly notable among mothers aged 25-29 years, preterm babies, boys, and in certain states. The report also reveals that mortality rates for infants of American Indian and Alaska Native non-Hispanic and White non-Hispanic women increased significantly, while Black infants had the highest overall rates of infant mortality. Access to healthcare and treatments for those living in or near poverty and certain racial and ethnic groups were identified as significant challenges that may contribute to these outcomes. [Extracted from the article]

Copyright of Family Practice News is the property of Frontline Medical Communications and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)