Infant, neonatal, and postneonatal mortality trends in a disaster region and in Japan, 2002-2012: a multi-attribute...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Demography
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Japan has achieved remarkable reductions in infant mortality.
• Previous studies have not classified infant mortality into neonatal and postneonatal periods or considered regional disparities.
• No studies have examined infant mortality trends in regions affected by natural disasters.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore trends in neonatal and postneonatal deaths in Japan overall.
• To investigate infant mortality patterns in the Tohoku region, impacted by a natural disaster.
• To analyze the association between infant/maternal characteristics and age of death.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a multi-attribute compositional study design with national infant death data (2002-2012).
• Focused on infant deaths in the Tohoku region (Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima).
• Employed conjoint analysis to identify factors influencing infant death age.

Main Results:

• Overall infant mortality rates declined in Japan but saw an increase in 2011.
• Postneonatal deaths were more frequent than neonatal deaths.
• Gestational week was the most significant factor influencing age of infant death (55.5%), with preterm birth (<37 weeks) linked to earlier death.

Conclusions:

• Infant death rates in Japan have declined, but postneonatal deaths are now more prevalent than neonatal deaths.
• The Tohoku region showed similar postneonatal death trends, with fluctuations in 2011.
• Findings highlight the need for increased focus on postneonatal mortality and associated risk factors, such as gestational age.