Many mothers and babies in the US pass away each year from issues related to pregnancy, childbirth, or the postpartum phase.
There has been significant progress made nationally in reducing these deaths, but alarmingly high rates of maternal and newborn mortality persist in some places.
Kern County, in the southern region of California’s San Joaquin Valley, is one such place. Compared to other areas of the state, mothers in Kern County face a disproportionately high chance of dying during pregnancy and childbirth, contributing to one of the highest infant mortality rates in the state.
We’ll look at the causes of Kern County’s poor mother and newborn health results as well as the current plans and initiatives aimed at resolving these issues.
About Kern County’s Infant Mortality Statistics
Kern County, situated in the southern part of the San Joaquin Valley, experiences one of the highest rates of infant mortality in California.
In 2020, the county’s infant mortality rate was 6.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, exceeding the state average of 4.0, as reported by the California Department of Public Health.
Moreover, Kern County faces elevated rates of maternal mortality, preterm birth, low birthweight, and birth defects.
Causes of Kern County’s High Infant Mortality Rate
The reasons behind Kern County’s unfavorable maternal and infant health outcomes are intricate and involve various factors, including socioeconomic, environmental, behavioral, and biological elements. Some potential contributors encompass:
1. Poverty and Limited Access to Quality Services:
- A significant portion of Kern County residents (20.8% in 2019) live below the federal poverty level.
- The percentage of adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher is low (16.4% in 2019).
- Insufficient healthcare providers, especially in rural areas, and a low rate of health insurance coverage contribute to the challenges.
2. Air Pollution and Chemical Exposure:
- Kern County faces high levels of air pollution, attributed to its geography, climate, and the presence of industries like oil and gas production, agriculture, and transportation.
- The county’s abundance of hazardous waste sites and contaminated water sources poses potential health risks for pregnant women and infants.
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3. Racial and Ethnic Disparities and Discrimination:
- Kern County boasts a diverse population, with a considerable proportion of Hispanic/Latino (52.5%), African American/Black (6.3%), and Native American (1.6%) residents.
- Disparities exist, with these groups experiencing higher rates of infant and maternal mortality compared to white residents.
- Access to quality healthcare, education, and social services is lower for these communities, and they may encounter racism and bias in both the healthcare system and society, impacting their mental and physical well-being.
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Possible Solutions
To tackle the problem of infant and maternal mortality in Kern County, a collaborative effort is underway involving various stakeholders and organizations. The focus is on implementing strategies and interventions, including:
1. Enhancing access to prenatal, postnatal, and interconception care, as well as family planning and reproductive health services, especially for women of reproductive age facing economic challenges, lack of insurance, or underservice.
2. Improving the quality and safety of healthcare delivery by providing training and education to healthcare providers, adopting evidence-based practices and protocols, and promoting patient-centered and culturally competent care.
3. Raising awareness and educating women and families about the significance of adopting healthy behaviors and lifestyles. This includes avoiding tobacco, alcohol, and drugs, maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, and seeking prompt medical attention for any signs of complications or distress.
4. Addressing environmental and social determinants of health by advocating for policies and regulations to safeguard air, water, and soil quality. Additionally, efforts are focused on tackling the root causes of poverty, inequality, and discrimination.
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To Conclude
The concerning rates of infant and maternal mortality in Kern County present a gloomy scenario, but collaborative efforts underway provide a glimmer of hope.
By addressing the intricate interplay of socioeconomic, environmental, and healthcare factors contributing to these challenges, there exists a tangible opportunity to forge a healthier future for mothers and infants in the region.
The suggested solutions, which focus on accessible healthcare, enhanced healthcare quality, education, and environmental safeguards, hold the potential to significantly diminish these disparities.
In essence, the improvement of maternal and infant health outcomes in Kern County transcends being solely a public health concern; it represents an investment in the community’s future. By prioritizing the well-being of mothers and infants, we can foster a more robust, healthier, and equitable Kern County for everyone.
