Patterns, trends, and increasing disparities in mortality for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal infants born in Western Australia, 1980-2001: population database study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Since there are known disparities between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal populations in Australia, trends in infant mortality rates can be used to assess the effectiveness of programmes designed to improve the health of Aboriginal populations. We have examined mortality rates in these populations in Western Australia. METHODS: We used the most comprehensive and valid total population data available for an Australian state to determine all-cause and cause-specific mortality for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal infants born in Western Australia from 1980 to 2001. FINDINGS: Overall, infant mortality rates fell in both populations, but less so in Aboriginal (from 25.0 in 1980-84 to 16.1 ..