Infant Mortality on an Oregon Indian Reservation Is Almost Three Times Higher than the Overall U.S. Rate

Abstract

The infant mortality rate on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation in central Oregon was 2.6 times higher than that of the overall US rate almost all of the excess mortality attributable to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The postneonatal mortality rate was 5 times that of the US rate in the 1980s. 21 rather than the expected 2 infants died of SIDS. A population of 3200 on the reservation is made up of the Warm Springs Wasco and Piaute Indian tribes. Their economic situation is relatively good but their health indicators are poor. Infant mortality due to infection congenital defects and other or unknown causes has declined precipitously since 1960. While the cause of SIDS is unknown factors associated with crib deaths in epidemiologic studies include low socioeconomic status young maternal age substance abuse smoking anemia prematurity low birth weight male infant and cold weather. The Warm Springs community has adopted postpartum visits to check home safety a child-abuse prevention program a health promotion office improved infant death surveillance and health awareness promotion.