Page 94 - 2015 Compass Now

HEALTH offers additional benefits to baby. One of these benefits includes a decreased likelihood of preterm labor,
possibly resulting in a pre-term delivery. This is an important indicator of health because pre-term birth is
the leading cause of newborn death and disability.
Infant mortality is measured by the number of infant (one year of age or younger) deaths per 1,000 live
births. The infant mortality rate (IMR) is a useful indicator, used worldwide, as a measure of health and
development. Health conditions originating in the prenatal period account for about 50% of infant deaths.
There are an assortment of prenatal health conditions that occur just before, during, or after birth, such as
pregnancy complications; complications of the placenta, cord, and membranes; and unspecified prematurity
and low birth weight. Other causes of infant death may be attributed to infections and parasitic diseases,
accidents, SIDS, congenital malformations, deformations, and chromosomal anomalies.
Overall, the Great Rivers Region infant mortality rate is 5.0 deaths per 1,000 births, which is slightly higher
than state averages. La Crosse and Trempealeau Counties are lower than state and national averages.
It is important to note that some religious or ethnic groups within the Great Rivers Region do not believe
in medical care except in an emergency. This may affect statistics like initiation of prenatal care. It can be
difficult, as a county, to change these cultural practices; however, it is important to focus on outcomes and
intervene when necessary.
What are the primary causes of death in the region?
The primary causes of death for counties in the Great Rivers Region are shown in Figure 3. Most of these
causes are from chronic diseases which have a preventable component to them. Age also plays a part in how
we die. Typically, chronic disease is the leading cause of death in older adults. Injury, unintentional, and
accidental causes are more common for deaths occurring in the younger population.

86 COMPASS NOW 2015