260814 A community-based approach to addressing high infant mortality rates

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Nikki Keene Woods, PhD, MPH , Public Health Sciences, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS
Tracy Williams, MD , Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita, Wichita, KS
Shalae Harris, RN, BSN, MPA , FMIR Coodinator, Sedgwick County Health Department, Wichita, KS
Introduction The rate of infant mortality is an indicator of overall community health. Social influences impact behavior, including health behaviors of mothers, babies and families. Using the socio ecological model as a guide, the relationship between poor health outcomes and individuals can be explained. The Sedgwick County Fetal Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) program was launched in 2010 as a collaborative community effort to solve the high infant mortality rate in the community through improving community resources and service delivery systems. Methods Mixed methods were used to describe the collaboration and outcomes. FIMR program collaborators included individuals representing most sectors including: local health department, multi-disciplinary academic teams, medical, non-profit and social services, religious and private. De-identified data was gathered from birth and death certificates, medical records, autopsy reports, and family interviews. Data was reviewed monthly by a large group of collaborators. A smaller group from FIMR formed a Community Action Team (CAT) which translated recommendations from case reviews into strategies for better birth outcomes within the community. Results In 2011, the CAT core team identified recommendations from reviewed cases of infant mortality where task forces could implement community change with collaborative partners that included: educating professionals on community resources, preconception counseling, and prenatal tobacco cessation. Discussion The findings from this effort provide an example of how one community came together to work collaboratively to address an important community health concern. These efforts were a catalyst for change across the state and could spur change across other communities facing similar socio-ecological problems.

Learning Areas:
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Public health or related research
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
1. List at least 3 socio ecological factors associated with infant mortality. 2. Describe what community partners are helpful in facilitating community changes related to a improving a specific health outcome. 3. Describe what resources are needed to support a successful community collaborative effort.

Keywords: Community Collaboration, Infant Mortality

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been a co-investigator of multiple funded projects related to maternal and infant health.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.