Indiana is in the bottom 10 states for infant mortality with a . This means more than seven children die out of every 1,000 births. Unfortunately, St. Joseph County鈥檚 IMR was even higher, with an . To better understand what can be done to decrease this rate, Elizabeth A. McCue, a global health research associate for the 聽at the University of 91吃瓜, has teamed with the St. Joseph County Health Department to assess local health initiatives and see where they are most effective and how they could be improved.
McCue鈥檚 experience with infant health began as a candidate of the program at the University of 91吃瓜. Her capstone project included spending seven weeks in rural health facilities in Uganda, collecting case-specific data about infants who had died during delivery.听Through collaboration with Saving Mothers, Giving Life Uganda, she was able to identify several factors that contribute to an exceptionally high rate of stillbirths in a specific region.听
Working in Uganda presented distinct challenges, including a lack of health record collection and storage systems, for McCue. She was, however, able to utilize this experience in her current role. In discussing how McCue鈥檚 community work relates to global health, , director of the Eck Institute, said, 鈥淐ommunity health is often an indicator of greater public health concerns, and for researchers to address global health issues like IMR, it is imperative for solutions to be tailored to community needs. The Eck Institute has sent research associates to many countries around the world, but St. Joseph County also faces global health issues that we want to help combat.鈥澛�
For the IMR initiative in St. Joseph County, McCue began collecting data that helped summarize the most pertinent factors for infant mortality in the community. Her findings showed quality health care both prior to conception as well between pregnancies is critical for preventing premature births in the county. For example, it is ideal for women to wait 18 months between pregnancies. This research, which also included a report and map of where infant mortality is most saturated, was then submitted to the Fetal-Infant Mortality Review program for consideration.
鈥淲hen people think of infant mortality 鈥� death before age 1 鈥� they might think of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or sudden unexpected infant death (SUID), accidental deaths聽or infections,鈥� said McCue. 鈥淗owever, most of the babies who die before their first birthday never leave the hospital. Complications of prematurity are the biggest cause of death for infants in St. Joseph County.鈥�
Life planning is a major topic that McCue also discusses in her work with the St. Joseph County鈥檚 Juvenile Justice Center. At the facility, she focuses on supporting high-risk youth in the county by helping create a comprehensive adolescent health curriculum. The lessons cover many topics including physical and mental health, overall well-being聽and healthy relationships. The goals of the lessons are to ensure the students have access to the information and resources they need to live a healthy life.
鈥淢cCue鈥檚 latest work for the St. Joseph Health Department has been an important asset to our local community,鈥� said , assistant professional specialist of biological sciences. 鈥淪he is a great example of a Master of Science in Global Health graduate who has been able to utilize her academic experience in the workforce.鈥�
The Master of Science in Global Health program provides an engaging science-centric training in the context of global health. The program focuses on providing students with a working knowledge of global health challenges and offers opportunities to students to use new skills and conduct various kinds of research.
鈥淐onducting research for my capstone project helped me grow my skills and confidence for my role at the St. Joseph County Health Department,鈥� said McCue. 鈥淣ot only did I learn to overcome a number of challenges that were presented to me while in Uganda, but it also helped me develop a passion for maternal and child health and realize how that passion could be applied elsewhere.鈥�
McCue鈥檚 two-year position as a global health research associate will finish in August 2018. To learn more about the Eck Institute for Global Health and the Master of Science in Global Health program, including how to apply, visit .听
Contact: Brandi R. Klingerman, research communications specialist, 91吃瓜 Research, 574-631-8183,聽bklinger@nd.edu;听
Originally published by at on May 29.