Infant mortality, which refers to the death of a child before reaching the age of one, serves as a crucial indicator of a population’s health and overall well-being.
Despite notable strides in decreasing infant mortality rates in the United States in recent decades, the country continues to fare poorly among developed nations, with an average rate of 5.9 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2021.
Furthermore, significant variations in infant mortality persist among states, regions, and different racial and ethnic groups. These disparities mirror the influence of social, economic, and environmental factors on maternal and child health.
Fargo: The City With Highest Infant Mortality Rate in North Dakota
The most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that North Dakota boasts the fifth lowest infant mortality rate in the nation, standing at 4.3 deaths per 1,000 live births.
Despite this positive statewide average, a significant disparity exists within North Dakota, with one city being identified as having the highest infant mortality rate.
Fargo, the largest and most populous city in the state, reports an infant mortality rate of 8.2 per 1,000 live births. This figure is nearly double the state average and surpasses the national average of 5.9.
Consequently, Fargo has a higher number of infant deaths compared to other cities in North Dakota, positioning it among the worst in the country.
The Causes of the High Rate of Infant Mortality
Several potential factors contribute to the elevated infant mortality rate in Fargo, including socioeconomic status, healthcare accessibility, maternal health, and environmental conditions. Fargo’s poverty rate, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau, stands at 13.4%, surpassing the state average of 10.3%.
Poverty often correlates with adverse health outcomes, such as low birth weight, preterm birth, and congenital anomalies, all significant contributors to infant mortality.
Insufficient access to adequate prenatal and postnatal care is another factor influencing Fargo’s high infant mortality rate. In 2020, only 77.4% of women in Fargo received proper prenatal care, compared to the state average of 85.7%.
Additionally, postnatal checkups within 3 to 8 days after birth were received by only 60.9% of infants in Fargo, contrasting with the state rate of 69.4%.
These checkups are crucial for identifying and preventing potential health issues in both mothers and infants.
Maternal health is also implicated in Fargo’s elevated infant mortality rate, with North Dakota boasting the highest maternal mortality rate in the country, at 38.6 deaths per 100,000 live births, as per the CDC.
Maternal mortality, defined as a woman’s death during pregnancy or within one year after pregnancy, can impact infant survival, as certain causes like hemorrhage, infection, and hypertensive disorders may lead to fetal or neonatal death.
Lastly, environmental conditions may play a role, as Fargo exhibits a high level of air pollution, surpassing the national standard for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) with an annual average of 10.4 micrograms per cubic meter.
PM2.5 particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Exposure during pregnancy heightens the risk of low birth weight, preterm birth, and infant mortality.
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To Conclude
The high number of babies dying in Fargo, which is higher than both the state and national averages, is worrisome and needs urgent attention.
Even though North Dakota as a whole has a relatively low rate of infant mortality, the significant difference within its biggest city shows how social, economic, and environmental factors affect the health of mothers and babies.
Fixing Fargo’s infant mortality problem isn’t just about numbers; it’s about making sure mothers, babies, and the whole community are healthy. By using these thorough plans and getting different groups to work together, Fargo can make a better future where every baby has an equal chance to do well.
