[Regional characteristics of infant mortality]

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Pediatrics
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Infant mortality remains a significant public health concern globally.
• Understanding regional variations in causes and risk factors is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the causes and risk factors of infant mortality in 10 USSR republics and Moscow.
• To identify common and local risk factors, including medico-biological, socio-hygienic, and medico-organizational aspects.
• To present data on preterm infant morbidity and mortality and provide reduction recommendations.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of infant mortality data across different regions.
• Delineation of medico-biological, socio-hygienic, and medico-organizational risk factors.
• Examination of causal, age-related, and nosological patterns of infant mortality.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in infant mortality causes and risk factors were observed between regions.
• Preterm infant morbidity and mortality data were analyzed, with tailored recommendations for different regional levels.
• Preventable deaths constitute a substantial proportion (40-50%) of infant mortality, representing a key area for reduction.

Conclusions:

• Addressing medical and socioeconomic factors is essential for effective infant mortality reduction.
• Targeted strategies are needed to mitigate regional variations in infant mortality.
• Focusing on preventable deaths offers the most significant potential for lowering infant mortality rates.