DETERMINANT FACTORS OF INFANT CONGENITAL HEART DEFECTS IN NORTH CAROLINA 2003-2016.

Abstract

There is limited understanding of how geospatial and socioeconomic variability impacts congenital heart defects at the county level in North Carolina. Literature research, data extraction and analyses were conducted to compile birth certificate data on infants born in North Carolina with congenital heart defects for years 2003-2016. The average percent of infants diagnosed with a CHD was noteably higher in ENC for African Americans (29.33%). Rural counties show significantly increased rates of incidence for American Indians (2.82%). Rates for prenatal care during the first trimester were found to be lower for rural counties (67.04%) and ENC (58.28%) than urban counties (74.11%). ENC indicated lower rates of prenatal care reception during all trimesters of pregnancy compared to other geospatial areas. There was a significant decrease in infant mortality for urban counties (30.1%) and ENC (26.3%) for 2013-2016. A significant negative correlation was determined between rates of prenatal care reception in the second trimester and annual infant mortality rates (R2=0.60). A similar correlation was observed in the reception of prenatal care in the third trimester and infant mortality rates (R2=0.64). Disproportionate rates of African Americans and Caucasians are diagnosed with CHDs in rural and ENC counties. Second and third trimester prenatal care reception are strong predictors of infant mortality rates. Future studies should investigate disparities in healthcare and prenatal services between rural and urban counties to determine associations with infant mortality and diagnosis.