A new study has highlighted a troubling disparity in infant and child mortality rates between the United States and other developed nations. Published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, the research reveals that the U.S. experiences approximately 20,000 more child deaths annually compared to 16 other high-income countries, including Australia, Canada, Japan, and various European nations.
Higher Infant Mortality Rates
One of the stark findings of the study is the significantly higher infant mortality rate in the U.S. Each year, the country records over five infant deaths per 1,000 live births, a rate that far exceeds that of its peers. Factors contributing to this include a high incidence of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and infant homicides linked to abuse or neglect.
Dr. Stephen Wolf, co-author of the study and professor at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “A child’s chances of surviving to age 20 are now declining after decades of progress.”
Contributing Factors: Guns, Drugs, and Accidents
The study identifies several factors that contribute to the higher mortality rates among children and adolescents in the U.S. Firearms, suicides, drug overdoses, and car accidents are significant contributors. Firearms, in particular, are a leading cause of death among children and teens, with most fatalities resulting from homicides. The U.S. has the highest gun ownership rate globally, which is “unthinkable for most of these other countries,” according to Wolf.
Suicides among young people have also seen a dramatic rise, increasing by 62% from 2007 to 2021. Factors such as cyberbullying and social media use may be exacerbating this issue.
The opioid epidemic further complicates the landscape, with child deaths from fentanyl increasing more than 30-fold between 2013 and 2021. Many of these deaths involve young children accidentally ingesting opioids, either found on the ground or obtained from their parents’ belongings.
The Need for Better Maternal and Child Healthcare
The study also points to the need for improved maternal and child healthcare in the U.S. Compared to other high-income countries, the U.S. provides less support to mothers post-birth. Enhanced obstetric care and home visits, common in countries like Canada and many European nations, could significantly improve outcomes for both mothers and their babies.
Mary Touma, an assistant professor at the University of Maryland School of Public Health, underscores this point, recalling her own struggles post-childbirth and advocating for more comprehensive support systems for new mothers.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these issues, leading to spikes in suicide, drug abuse, and gun homicides. Wolf notes that the pandemic has “poured fuel on the fire,” worsening the U.S.’s standing in terms of life expectancy and mortality rates compared to other developed nations.
Conclusion
The findings of this study paint a bleak picture of child health in the U.S. and underscore the urgent need for systemic changes to address the underlying causes of high infant and child mortality rates. From stricter gun control and drug regulations to better support for maternal health, comprehensive efforts are needed to ensure the safety and well-being of the nation’s children.
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