Sky-high infant mortality rates in the United States are 78% greater compared to 18 other prosperous OECD nations.
In a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), researchers from the University of Pennsylvania Hospital have highlighted a concerning trend in the health of American children. The study reveals that the mortality and morbidity rates for infants and children in the U.S. are higher compared to 18 other wealthy Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member countries.
The study did not specify the reasons for the higher rates, but it did identify some key factors. For infants under 1 year, premature births and sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) are the leading causes of the higher mortality rate, with risk ratios of 2.22 and 2.39 respectively compared to OECD countries.
For children aged 1 to 19, firearm-related incidents and motor vehicle crashes are the major contributors to elevated mortality rates, with firearm incidents having an especially pronounced risk ratio of 15.34 over OECD counterparts. The study also found a significant increase in the prevalence of chronic health conditions among children, including rises in obesity, early onset of menstruation, sleep problems, physical limitations, depressive symptoms, and loneliness.
Broader systemic factors inferred from related data include inadequate family leave and paid sick leave policies in the U.S., which are unique among OECD nations in not mandating paid parental leave. These social determinants potentially contribute to poorer child health outcomes, including the ability of parents to care appropriately for sick children.
The study did not mention any improvements or changes in the mortality and morbidity rates over the period of 2007 to 2022, excluding the increase in chronic diseases. Between 2007 and 2022, the risk of death for children (1-19 years) in the U.S. was 80% higher, and for infants (under 1 year) it was 78% higher.
The study's findings have been cited by France Inter on August 19, underscoring the global importance of addressing these issues. The authors of the study call for identifying and addressing the root causes of this decline in the health of American children, which they deem "fundamental" to the country's public health.
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