The Alaska Native infant mortality rate is still one of the highest in the nation despite efforts to reduce infant deaths.

Based on a 10-year review of data, the state Division of Public Health said infant mortality rates declined. But 11.4 out of 1,000 Alaska Native infants died before their first birthday, nearly twice the rate of non-Native infant deaths.

Researchers are trying to understand the disparity. They are finding that Alaska Natives, whether in rural or urban areas, suffer from equally high infant mortality rates.

Some of the risk factors associated with infant mortality are more prevalent in Alaska Natives. They include smoking during pregnancy, chewing tobacco and physical abuse.

But other risk factors, such as alcohol use and SIDS prevention techniques, aren't prevalent.

Get the Story:
Rates fall, but Native infant deaths still high (The Anchorage Daily News 7/20)
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Infant Mortality Report :
Findings of the Alaska Maternal-Infant Mortality Review 1992-2001 (July 2006)

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