Large differences in infant mortality by ethnic group

Written by Musmirah_Shahzada on Tuesday, June 24, 2008 15:49

Issued by Office for National Statistics

There are large differences in the infant mortality rates of ethnic
groups in England and Wales, according to new statistics published for the first time today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The new data reveal that, for babies born in 2005, infant mortality in both the Pakistani and Caribbean groups was twice that of the White British group.

The figures show that Asian and Black ethnic groups accounted for over 11 per cent of live births in England and Wales in 2005, and 17 per cent of infant deaths.

Babies in the Pakistani and Caribbean groups had particularly high infant mortality rates, 9.6 and 9.8 deaths per 1,000 live births respectively. This was double the rate in the White British group of 4.5 deaths per 1,000 live births.

These new statistics have been compiled from linking birth and infant death registration records with NHS Numbers for Babies records which include information on ethnic group.

Other key findings include:

• Mortality in the Pakistani group was high throughout the first year of life. Mortality in the Caribbean group was especially high in the first month of life.

• Half of all infant deaths in the Pakistani group were due to congenital anomalies, compared with only a quarter of deaths in the White British group.

• In the Caribbean group 67 per cent of the infant deaths were due to conditions arising from low birthweight and babies being born early. Only 44 per cent of the deaths in the White British group were due to these conditions.

For more information click here.

Media Office 0845 604 1858

Email richard.miles@ons.gov.uk

www.statistics.gov.uk

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