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[Mortality among Moslem, Christian and Druze infants]
Insights
Infant mortality rates varied significantly across religious groups in Israel. Female infants experienced higher postneonatal mortality, particularly among Christians and Druze with less educated fathers.
Area of Science:
- Demography
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Infant mortality rates (IMR) differ significantly across diverse populations.
- Understanding risk factors is crucial for targeted public health interventions.
- Previous studies have not fully explored religious group disparities in Israeli infant mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine infant mortality rates in three heterogeneous non-Jewish religious groups in Israel.
- To identify and assess the impact of risk factors contributing to infant mortality.
- To compare mortality patterns across religious and gender groups.
Main Methods:
- Logistic regression analysis was employed to assess risk factors.
- Data were collected from 1977 to 1980.
- Infant mortality was analyzed by religious group, gender, and socioeconomic factors.
Main Results:
- Mortality rates were highest among Moslems (26.0/1000) and Druze (26.0/1000), followed by Christians (17.2/1000) and Jews (12.7/1000).
- Postneonatal mortality was higher in female infants compared to males across all groups, especially in Christians and Druze infants born to fathers with limited education.
- Infections were the primary cause of postneonatal deaths, particularly among the Druze (8/1000).
Conclusions:
- Significant disparities in infant mortality exist among religious groups in Israel.
- Female infants face a higher risk of postneonatal death, linked to paternal education.
- Improved access to hospital care may reduce postneonatal mortality, especially in non-Jewish populations.
Abstract:
Infant mortality in 3 heterogeneous non-Jewish religious groups in Israel was examined (1977-80). Risk factors contributing to infant mortality were identified and their effects assessed by logistic regression analysis. Mortality among Moslems and Druze was 26.0/1000, compared to 17.2/1000 among Christians and 12.7/1000 among Jews. These differences between the populations were mostly evident after the first month of life. Unexpected excess mortality rates were observed among female infants, compared to males, in the postneonatal period in all 3 groups. This excess was present mainly in Christian and Druze infants born to fathers with few years of education. The trend persisted after accounting for birth weight, maternal age, birth order and place of birth. The female mortality in the postneonatal period was twice that of males in Christians and 1.5 times higher than that of males in Druze. Congenital malformations and immaturity-related conditions were the main causes of neonatal deaths, while infections were the major cause of postneonatal deaths. Among the Druze the postneonatal death rate due to infections reached 8/1000. In the non-Jewish groups 42% of postneonatal deaths occurred out of hospital, compared to 15% among Jews.