Inequalities in infant mortality: Patterns, trends, policy responses and emerging issues in Canada, Chile, Sweden and the United Kingdom

Abstract

This paper investigates variations in policy responses to perceptions of social inequities in infant mortality in Canada, Chile, Sweden and the United Kingdom. It outlines patterns and trends in inequalities in infant mortality and some other birth outcomes, distinguishing between the use of routine data in some settings and research evidence in others. It suggests that some distinctive approaches about policies to reduce inequalities can be identified in the four countries. A number of emerging issues are also identified. One concerns the focus of interventions. Another relates to the use of targets. The third concern relates to the ways in which health inequalities are measured and monitored. Finally, the paper recommends the need for more research into areas such as the effectiveness of interventions, the nature of the problems facing ethnic minorities and the possible role of different social welfare regimes in achieving desired outcomes.

Key Words:

• Infant mortality
• health inequalities
• policies and interventions
• international comparisons
• population health
• sociology