Abstract for: Comparing Two Interventions to Reduce Infant Mortality in the State of Ohio

Nationwide, Ohio ranks 45th in the rate of infant mortality and has one of the highest infant deaths rate among blacks. The state has undertaken multiple initiatives, including support for research to understand the main drivers of high infant deaths and to find effective policies for reducing the rate. As one of the research task groups, we conducted a group model building to develop a system dynamics model of infant mortality in Ohio with the direct involvement of subject matter experts and policy makers. We calibrated the model with Medicaid data and tested two interventions—progesterone therapy and long-acting reversible contraceptives—under multiple finance scenarios. Our results suggest that progesterone therapy and long-acting reversible contraceptives can reduce the infant mortality rate. However, neither of the medical interventions alone or together can reduce the rate below the targeted rate by 2025. In addition to medical intervention, other non medical programs may need to be considered to achieve the goal of reducing the infant mortality rate to below 6 per 1,000 populations.