Exploring and Extending Community Perspectives on Black Infant Mortality in North Florida

Throughout 2014, a multidisciplinary group of researchers and community leaders collaborated to learn about factors contributing to infant mortality among black families living in the Tallahassee area.  A community-based participatory research study was developed to explore black women’s perceptions about causes of infant death. This research sought to develop an evidence basis for interventions addressing community-identified needs in infant health promotion.

Three focus groups were held and the data were analyzed collaboratively by community leaders, medical students, and university faculty.  Participants included African-American women (n=20) ages 19 to 68 from Leon and Gadsden counties. Multiple factors may contribute to disparities in infant mortality.  Common themes included individual behaviors, family context, community/place, health systems, social structure, discrimination, and female burden.

Following the initial study, the working group expanded to include additional interested community stakeholders.  A series of events were planned to discuss research results with area residents and strategize next steps.  Sharing of results and planning of action strategies remains ongoing.  At present, the group is collaborating with the community on the Southside of Tallahassee, identified by focus group participants as an area with high infant mortality and pervasive challenges to health equity.

Through robust community-academic partnership, the team continues to engage residents in addressing health promotion resource gaps across multiple Tallahassee neighborhoods. Exchange of information amongst community members and other stakeholders will create opportunities for further interdisciplinary dialogue and activities around education, engagement and advocacy to eliminate infant mortality disparities.