Risk factors for traumatic infant death in Oregon, 1973 to 1982.

A retrospective study of risk factors for traumatic infant deaths in Oregon occurring from 1973 through 1982 was performed using vital records and medical examiner records. A total of 146 such deaths occurred during this period. Relative risks were calculated for various risk factors in the study group compared with all Oregon births. Factors found to be significantly associated with all traumatic deaths were low maternal age, out-of-hospital birth, unwed mother, late or no prenatal care, low birth weight, and low maternal education. Race, sex, and birth order were not associated with traumatic infant death. The traumatic deaths were grouped into homicides and accidents. The same risk factor associations, with the exception of out-of-hospital birth, were found for each group.