In 2007, the infant mortality rate for Black Americans per 1,000 live births was about how many?

In 2007, the infant mortality rate for Black Americans per 1,000 live births was about how many?

• A. 13.2 per 1,000 live births
• B. 5.6 per 1,000 live births
• C. 11.2 per 1,000 live births
• D. 9.0 per 1,000 live births

Answer: (A)

Understanding racial disparities in infant mortality and how to read health statistics by race. The idea is that the infant mortality rate is the number of deaths of children under one year per 1,000 live births. In 2007, the rate for Black Americans was about 13 per 1,000 live births, specifically around 13.2. This reflects a significant disparity compared with other groups and the national average, highlighting how social determinants of health—such as access to quality prenatal care, maternal health, socioeconomic conditions, neighborhood environments, and the stress associated with racism—shape outcomes for infants. The 13.2 figure fits the historical pattern for that year, whereas the other numbers would indicate much lower mortality rates than what was observed for Black infants in 2007. This kind of data underscores why health equity efforts focus on addressing structural and social factors that contribute to such disparities.

Understanding racial disparities in infant mortality and how to read health statistics by race. The idea is that the infant mortality rate is the number of deaths of children under one year per 1,000 live births. In 2007, the rate for Black Americans was about 13 per 1,000 live births, specifically around 13.2. This reflects a significant disparity compared with other groups and the national average, highlighting how social determinants of health—such as access to quality prenatal care, maternal health, socioeconomic conditions, neighborhood environments, and the stress associated with racism—shape outcomes for infants. The 13.2 figure fits the historical pattern for that year, whereas the other numbers would indicate much lower mortality rates than what was observed for Black infants in 2007. This kind of data underscores why health equity efforts focus on addressing structural and social factors that contribute to such disparities.