Infant Mortality by Maternal Education in Puerto Rico: 2009 and 2013

Abstract

Background/Objective. The literature available about this topic shows that there is a relationship between infant mortality and the education of the mother. As the level of maternal education increases, infant mortality decreases. The main objective of the study was to examine the behavior of the specific rates of infant mortality by maternal education, and the variability it may have and the socio-demographic characteristics of the mother and infant. Methods. The database used for this study was the matched birth and death of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by period for 2009 and 2013. The study was descriptive. Results. The specific infant mortality rates by maternal education were lower among infants whose mothers had a grade 12 or higher education level than those whose mothers that had a less than grade 12 of education for 2009 (7.52 vs. 9.41 ) and 2013 (6.98 vs 7.00). Similarly, results occurred in the birth weight categories; the infants of the less educated mothers had higher mortality rates than those whose mothers were more educated. Conclusion. Maternal education is an important factor to consider when analyzing infant deaths. The data suggest the importance of promoting the education of mothers to increase the survival of live births.