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Infant and early childhood mortality in urban slums under ICDS scheme--a prospective study
Insights
Infant and early childhood mortality in urban slums of Patna were high, with low birth weight and infections being major causes. Risk factors included young or older maternal age, multiple births, and maternal illiteracy.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Infant and early childhood mortality rates remain a significant public health concern, particularly in urban slum settings.
- Understanding the specific causes and associated risk factors is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively investigate infant and early childhood mortality, its causes, and associated factors in urban slums of Patna.
- To determine birth, death, and mortality rates within the studied population.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study conducted in twelve Anganwadi centers in urban slums of Patna from January 1987 to December 1987.
- Strict recording of births and deaths by Anganwadi workers with monthly author verification.
- Causes of death determined through clinical assessment and parental interviews.
Main Results:
- Birth rate: 29.25/1000, Death rate: 13.1/1000, Infant Mortality Rate (IMR): 64.65/1000.
- Neonatal mortality rate: 49.42/1000; Post-neonatal mortality rate: 15.21/1000.
- Major infant mortality causes: low birth weight (25.52%), perinatal infection (23.52%). Major causes in children 1-6 years: diarrhea (37.5%), respiratory infections (15.62%), accidents/burns (12.5%).
- Mortality higher in males during infancy. Risk factors: extremes of maternal age (<20 and >30 years), multiparity, illiterate mothers.
Conclusions:
- High rates of infant and early childhood mortality observed in urban slums, driven by preventable causes like infections and low birth weight.
- Maternal age, parity, and education are significant risk factors for infant mortality.
- Interventions focusing on maternal health, nutritional support, and infection control are essential to reduce child mortality in these vulnerable populations.
Abstract:
The infant and early childhood mortality, its causes and associated factors were studied prospectively, in twelve Anganwadi centres, situated in urban slums of Patna from 1st January, 1987 to 31st December, 1987. A strict recording of births and deaths was done by Anganwadi workers, with monthly verifications by authors. The causes of death were established on the basis of clinical and corroborative enquiry from the parents. The birth rate was found to be 29.25, death rate 13.1, infant mortality rate 64.65/1000. Neonatal and post neonatal mortality rates were 49.42/1000 and 15.21/1000, respectively. Mortality in children between 1-3 years (11.3/1000) was higher in comparison to that of 3-6 years (9.1/1000). Low birth weight (25.52%) and perinatal infection (23.52%) were the major causes of infant mortality followed by respiratory infection (11.76) and diarrhea (8.82%). Diarrhea (37.5%), respiratory infection (15.62%) and accidents and burns (12.5%) were major killers in children between 1-6 years. Mortality in males was higher than females in infancy. Risk factors associated with infant mortality included extremes of maternal age (less than 20 and greater than 30 years), multiparity and illiterate mothers.