Between 1950 and 1998, overall infant mortality in the United States declined for all racial groups. The absolute reduction in infant deaths during this period was almost 50% higher among blacks than whites. While the rate difference decreased during this time period, during the same time period the rate ratio between the two groups increased. How do the statistics of the rate difference and the rate ratio compare the benefit to the black racial group?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The rate difference shows a greater absolute reduction in infant mortality for blacks, indicating they benefited more. However, the increase in the rate ratio suggests that the relative disparity between blacks and whites increased, indicating blacks benefited less in relative terms.

Between 1950 and 1998, Overall Infant Mortality in the United