UNLABELLED: African American infant mortality rates (IMR) in San Francisco have remained 2.5 to three times those of Whites for over 20 years. METHODS: A 69-item telephone survey of African American residents in four neighborhoods with the most African American births assessed awareness of IMR disparities, associated risks, and social capital. RESULTS: Of the 804 respondents, 57% were not aware of the IMR disparity. Higher levels of awareness occurred in those volunteering (OR 1.5, CI 1.1-2.0), participating in efforts to benefit the African American community (OR 1.8, CI 1.3-2.4), sensing that they belonged in their neighborhood (OR 1.7, CI 1.2-2.3), and being aware of a local African American-led initiative to improve infant health (OR 2.3, CI 1.7-3.9). Lack of awareness can be a barrier to a population's engagement in improving its overall health. CONCLUSION: Lack of awareness of IMR disparities and risk factors exists in the San Francisco African American population and is related to less social capital. Improving awareness is a prerequisite for implementing community level interventions.
UNLABELLED: African American infant mortality rates (IMR) in San Francisco have remained 2.5 to three times those of Whites for over 20 years. METHODS: A 69-item telephone survey of African American residents in four neighborhoods with the most African American births assessed awareness of IMR disparities, associated risks, and social capital. RESULTS: Of the 804 respondents, 57% were not aware of the IMR disparity. Higher levels of awareness occurred in those volunteering (OR 1.5, CI 1.1-2.0), participating in efforts to benefit the African American community (OR 1.8, CI 1.3-2.4), sensing that they belonged in their neighborhood (OR 1.7, CI 1.2-2.3), and being aware of a local African American-led initiative to improve infant health (OR 2.3, CI 1.7-3.9). Lack of awareness can be a barrier to a population's engagement in improving its overall health. CONCLUSION: Lack of awareness of IMR disparities and risk factors exists in the San Francisco African American population and is related to less social capital. Improving awareness is a prerequisite for implementing community level interventions.