Important Facts for Infant mortality

Definition

Number of infants who died before their first birthday (under 365 days), per 1,000 live births.

Numerator

Number of infants who died before their first birthday.

Denominator

Total number of live births.

Why Is This Important?

The infant mortality rate is an important measure of a nation's health and a worldwide indicator of health status and social well-being. The top four causes of infant mortality in Utah are perinatal conditions (including preterm birth), birth defects, medical conditions of the infant, and sudden unexpected infant death (SUID).

Other Objectives

Reduce the racial disparity in infant mortality rates. Healthy People 2030 Objective MICH-02 aims to reduce the infant mortality rate to 5.0 infant deaths per 1,000 live births.

How Are We Doing?

The infant mortality rate has declined throughout the past 30 years both locally and nationally. The Utah infant mortality rate in 2023 was 5.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, similar to the 2022 infant mortality rate of 4.9. During 2023, 233 Utah infants died before their first birthday.

How Do We Compare With the U.S.?

Historically, the Utah infant mortality rate has been lower than the national rate. In 2022 the Utah infant mortality rate was 4.9 deaths per 1,000 live births, lower than the U.S. rate of 5.6 deaths per 1,000 live births (CDC).

What Is Being Done?

The Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Maternal and Infant Health Program is currently reviewing data to identify modifiable risk factors for infant mortality, developing appropriate interventions, and promoting preconception and interconception health care for all reproductive aged women.

Evidence-based Practices

The Utah Department of Health and Human Services participates in the Utah Women and Newborn Quality Collaborative (UWNQC), a statewide perinatal quality collaborative. This workgroup of clinicians and public health professionals engages in the development and measurement of health care quality indicators and quality improvement projects in the areas of maternal and neonatal health issues.

Health Program Information

Breastfeeding reduces infant mortality. The "Stepping Up for Utah Babies" Program was developed by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and partners to recognize Utah hospitals that have taken steps to promote, protect, educate, and encourage breastfeeding in their facilities. Using a learning collaborative model, hospitals can implement 2, 4, 6, 8, or all 10 of the evidence-based steps to successful breastfeeding identified by the World Health Organization and UNICEF ([https://www.babyfriendlyusa.org/for-facilities/practice-guidelines/10-steps-and-international-code/]). A tool kit was adapted and developed outlining best practices, resources, action plans, and barriers to implementing each of the steps. Hospitals that successfully implement each two-step interval (up to 10 steps) will be certified by the Utah DHHS and recognized through media and public celebrations. The Utah DHHS is also a participant in the Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) Case Registry, a research project hosted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention- Division of Reproductive Health. The SUID Case Registry collects data about the circumstances associated with SUID deaths and conducts investigations into these deaths. Collected data enables the state to develop strategies to prevent future deaths.