Focus On
Infant Mortality
Infant mortality is a complex issue with many contributing factors. Adequate prenatal care, reducing alcohol, tobacco, and drug use, and using safe sleep positions can reduce the risk of infant dying before their first birthday.
State: Kansas
(Compared to U.S. Value)
Infant Mortality Indicator Map: Infant Mortality Rate
8.4 deaths/ 1,000 live births
This indicator shows the rate of infant deaths (prior to one year of age) per 1,000 live births.
Data Source: Kansas Department of Health and Environment
One of the basic indicators of community health is infant mortality, the death of an infant before one year of age. It reflects the apparent association between the causes of infant mortality and other factors that are likely to influence the health status of the whole population such as economic development, general living conditions, social wellbeing where basic needs are met, rates of illness such as diabetes and hypertension, and quality of the environment.
Kansas is working on several fronts to address infant mortality. In the last five years the number of infant deaths has dropped from an average of 300 per year to about 250 per year. The Kansas Blue Ribbon Panel on Infant Mortality is working with several organizations to address risk factors like teen pregnancy, low birthweight babies, and premature babies.
Kansas is working on several fronts to address infant mortality. In the last five years the number of infant deaths has dropped from an average of 300 per year to about 250 per year. The Kansas Blue Ribbon Panel on Infant Mortality is working with several organizations to address risk factors like teen pregnancy, low birthweight babies, and premature babies.