About The Study: In this population-level study of National Center for Health Statistics databases, neonatal, early neonatal, and infant mortality rates did not increase during the initial COVID-19 pandemic period. However, associations were observed between the pandemic period social distancing measures and higher rates of neonatal and early neonatal mortality, as well as preterm birth rate with a lag period, suggesting the importance of monitoring infant health outcomes following pandemic-related population behavior changes.
About The Study: In this population-level study of National Center for Health Statistics databases, neonatal, early neonatal, and infant mortality rates did not increase during the initial COVID-19 pandemic period. However, associations were observed between the pandemic period social distancing measures and higher rates of neonatal and early neonatal mortality, as well as preterm birth rate with a lag period, suggesting the importance of monitoring infant health outcomes following pandemic-related population behavior changes.
Corresponding Author: To contact the corresponding author, Vivek V. Shukla, M.D., email vshukla@uabmc.edu.
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(doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.22995)
Editor’s Note: Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, conflict of interest and financial disclosures, and funding and support.
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Cite Scienmag News
Harold Sullivan. (July 18, 2024). Social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic and neonatal mortality in the US. Scienmag. https://scienmag.com/social-distancing-during-the-covid-19-pandemic-and-neonatal-mortality-in-the-us/
Harold Sullivan. "Social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic and neonatal mortality in the US." Scienmag, 18 July 2024, https://scienmag.com/social-distancing-during-the-covid-19-pandemic-and-neonatal-mortality-in-the-us/. Accessed 4 September 2026.
Harold Sullivan. "Social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic and neonatal mortality in the US." Scienmag. July 18, 2024. https://scienmag.com/social-distancing-during-the-covid-19-pandemic-and-neonatal-mortality-in-the-us/
