Grant: Operating Grant

Infant mortality (death in the first year of life) and stillbirths are considered important indicators of the health of a population. When compared to the general provincial population, Status Indians in British Columbia (BC) experience a substantially higher rate of stillbirths and infant mortality. Our objectives are: (1) To quantify fetal and infant mortality and newborn illness rate among Status Indians and the general population in British Columbia. (2) To study what causes of death are responsible for potential differences in fetal and infant death rates (3) To explore the determinants for differential rates of fetal and infant mortality and newborn illness rate among Status Indian women and infants in British Columbia. We will use data located at: (1) BC Vital Statistics, (2) BC Perinatal Data Registry and (3) Population Data BC and its data holdings (formally the BCLHD) at the University of British Columbia. Linkage of these three databases will permit access to all data needed to study mother and infant health from conception through infancy to one year of age. This will be done in close collaboration with the Aboriginal Committee of the BC Perinatal Health Program. Analyzing the linked data will lead to a greater understanding of why a Status Indian fetus/infant has a higher chance of death compared to the rest of the BC population. In turn, this new evidence-based knowledge can facilitate better education for improved personal health, population health and health care practice and more effective health care service delivery for Status Indians. Beyond providing opportunities for improved personal health, clinical practice and training, the potential is great for lowering the rate of fetal and infant mortality in BC Status Indian communities over time. The study will also provide opportunities for further research to explore other questions related to perinatal complications and infant outcomes.