Comparison of Infant Mortality Rates Across Counties in Florida‪.‬

Abstract: This secondary data analysis study examined infant mortality rates (IMR) of counties in Florida to explore whether rates significantly differ by location and racial group. A sample of 18 counties that had at least 20 infant deaths during the year 2000 was selected. Analyses examined bivariate relationships between sociodemographic variables and county IMR, with and without stratification by race. Findings show residents of northern counties have significantly poorer outcomes compared with residents in the central and southern counties of Florida. Health education professionals can play a role in designing and conducting community assessments that identify underlying causes of disparities in IMR. **********