In a new issue of the American Journal of Public Health, researchers and experts investigate the latest methods and practices in improving birth outcomes. The special issue compiles a collection of commentaries, research studies and editorials to discuss maternal and child health topics ranging from disparities to breastfeeding.
The issue, a supplement to the Journal's February issue, is developed with funding from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.
"Despite leading the world in remarkable advances in newborn care, the United States has the highest infant mortality rate of all affluent industrialized nations. In fact, a growing number of not-so-affluent nations also outperform the United States in infant survival," Richard David and James Collins write in an editorial included in the issue.
Contained in the issue are papers that address racial and economic disparities including a study that reviews the impact of Arizona's immigration law on teen mothers and a research paper investigating the infant mortality gaps between black and white children.
"We're still learning what works, but it's clear that effective approaches must address the many factors that impact the health and well-being of mothers and children, as well as communities," Gail Christopher and Patrick Simpson discuss in an editorial about racial gaps and birth outcomes.
"When models that have been evaluated and proven effective are lifted up and replicated across the country, we will start to see a dramatic narrowing of the racial gap in birth outcomes, leading to greater health and well-being, shared by all," they explain.
This special issue also examines health and nutrition programs, including an evaluation of a program providing influenza vaccine text reminders to mothers and discussion of programs that provide publically and federally funded services for mothers, children and families.
International perspectives to improve birth outcomes and health are further included in the issue through papers that observe maternal health in Pakistan and the training of obstetricians in Ghana.
