The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #42736

Donald R. Swartz, MD¹, Jan K. Carney, MD, MPH², Sharon Moffatt, MS, RN³, Sarah W. Kerschner, MSN¹, and Margaret Brozicevic². (1) Division of Health Improvement, Vermont Department of Health, PO Box 70, Burlington, VT 05402, (2) Vermont Department of Health, 108 Cherry Street, PO Box 70, Burlington, VT 05402, (3) Division of Community Public Health, Vermont Department of Health, 108 Cherry Street, PO Box 70, Burlington, VT 05402

Purpose: To describe an ongoing process to reduce infant mortality which is low cost and builds on existing data and programs. The process begins with a multidisciplinary analysis of risk factors related to infant mortality, continues with identification of risk factors amenable to intervention and leads to incorporation of interventions into existing activities of public and private partners. The strategies, risk factors and interventions will be described. Description: Vermont has enjoyed low infant mortality rates for several decades, but during the past decade, has not matched the downward trend of the US white rate. Also, Vermont has set a 2010 goal of 4.5/1000 live births. In 2001, a panel of Vermont stakeholders including hospitals, physicians, public health professionals, community groups and the University of Vermont has undertaken a systematic examination of the Health Department's data set to identify the risk factors and causative elements which are significant in impact and accessible to intervention. Key risk factors identified include prepregnancy weight, weight gain during pregnancy, tobacco use, and interpregnancy interval. In addition, mothers in the 20-24 year age group were found to be particularly vulnerable. The understanding gained has been incorporated into existing programs of public and private stakeholders with little additional cost to the system of care. The process is ongoing, and the outcome will be assessed by monitoring the prevalence of the risk factors in the target populations, and the eventual impact on the infant mortality rate.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the listener will be able to

• Describe a process for addressing infant mortality which can be applied in a small state or jurisdiction.
• Identify key risk factors related to infant mortality in Vermont
• Identify clinical and public health approaches to reducing impact of the key risk factors related to infant mortality.

Keywords: Infant Mortality, Collaboration

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.