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Updated: Jul 12, 2026
09:36
Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Factors associated with infant and adolescent mortality
Z A R Oliveira1, H Bettiol, M R P Gutierrez
1Departamento de Puericultura e Pediatria, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil.
Summary
This 20-year study of a birth cohort identified significant risk factors for infant and adolescent mortality, including preterm birth, low birth weight, and socioeconomic status. Social inequality at birth had a greater impact on adolescent deaths.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Demography
Background:
- Limited research exists on factors influencing mortality from infancy through adolescence.
- Understanding long-term mortality risks requires comprehensive cohort studies.
- Social determinants of health play a crucial role in early life mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify birth variables associated with infant and adolescent mortality.
- To determine the primary causes of death in these age groups.
- To assess the impact of social inequality at birth on mortality outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A 20-year follow-up of a birth cohort (n=6748) in Ribeirão Preto.
- Data collection included maternal interviews post-delivery for social, biological, and demographic information.
- Mortality data up to 19 years of age was obtained from registry systems.
Main Results:
- Overall mortality was 343 (5.1%) by age 19; 74.9% occurred in the first year, 19.6% between ages 10-19.
- Strong predictors of infant mortality included preterm birth (HR=7.94) and low birth weight (HR=10.15).
- Adolescent mortality was significantly linked to unskilled manual occupation (HR=9.98) and male sex (HR=6.58).
Conclusions:
- Perinatal conditions were the leading cause of infant deaths, while external causes predominated in adolescents.
- Socioeconomic factors at birth, particularly occupation, significantly influenced adolescent mortality, especially from external causes in males.
- The impact of social inequality on mortality was more pronounced during adolescence than infancy.
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