DECREASE IN INFANT-MORTALITY IN NEW-YORK-CITY AFTER 1989

Objectives. This study identified factors contributing to the rapid de cline in infant mortality in New York City from 1989 to 1992. Methods. Changes in birthweight distributions and in birthweight/age-, cause-, and birthweight/age/cause-specific mortality rates from 1988/89 (befo re the mortality reduction) to 1990/91 were identified from New York C ity vital statistics data. Results. Infant, neonatal, and postneonatal mortality of very-lowbirthweight (< 1500 g) and normal-birthweight in fants decreased significantly. The declines were almost entirely due t o decreases in birthweight-specific mortality rates, rather than incre ased birthweights. All races experienced most of these reductions. Mor tality decreased significantly for 6 causes of death. These decreases were consistent with the birthweight/ age groups experiencing mortalit y declines. Conclusions. Widespread, multiple perinatal and postnatal factors contributed to the decline in infant mortality.