Regional Disparities in Infant Mortality in Canada
Author Information
Author(s): Joseph K S, Huang Ling, Dzakpasu Susie, McCourt Catherine
Primary Institution: Dalhousie University and the IWK Health Centre
Hypothesis
The study examines whether fiscal constraints in the 1990s affected regional disparities in infant mortality in Canada.
Conclusion
Fiscal constraints in the 1990s led to a reversal of provincial/territorial patterns of change in infant mortality in Canada and to an increase in regional health disparities.
Supporting Evidence
- Provinces with higher infant mortality rates in 1965-69 experienced larger reductions in infant mortality over the next decade.
- The infant mortality rate ratio between the highest and lowest provinces increased from 2.2 in 1985-89 to 4.1 in 2000-02.
Takeaway
The study found that areas in Canada with higher infant mortality rates in the past had larger improvements in the past, but this changed in the 1990s when disparities increased.
Methodology
The study analyzed regional changes in infant mortality rates from 1945 to 2002 using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.
Potential Biases
Potential biases due to differences in registration of live births at the borderline of viability.
Limitations
Data from Newfoundland and Ontario were excluded due to availability and quality concerns, respectively.
Participant Demographics
The study focused on infant mortality rates across various provinces and territories in Canada.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.002
Confidence Interval
95% CI 2.6–3.2
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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