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Infant mortality in southern Brazil: a population based study of causes of death
Insights
Perinatal issues and infections cause most infant deaths in southern Brazil. Focusing on low birth weight prevention and improved perinatal care can significantly reduce infant mortality rates.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Infant mortality remains a significant public health concern in many regions.
- Understanding the leading causes of infant death is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the causes of infant deaths in a population-based cohort in southern Brazil.
- To identify key risk factors and suggest strategies for infant mortality reduction.
Main Methods:
- A population-based cohort study of 5914 infants in southern Brazil.
- Analysis of 215 infant deaths to determine primary causes.
- Comparison of characteristics between deceased infants and survivors, focusing on birth weight.
Main Results:
- Perinatal problems (43%) and infectious diseases (32%) were the leading causes of infant death.
- Respiratory infections and diarrhea each accounted for 12% of all deaths.
- Low birth weight was significantly higher among deceased infants (53%) compared to survivors (7.9%).
- 87% of deaths occurred within the first six months of life.
Conclusions:
- Low birth weight infants require close monitoring, particularly in the first six months.
- Reducing low birth weight incidence could decrease infant mortality by 20%.
- Improving perinatal care and environmental conditions are key to preventing infant deaths in southern Brazil.
Abstract:
The causes of 215 infant deaths occurring in a population based cohort of 5914 infants from southern Brazil were determined. Perinatal problems were responsible for 43% of these deaths and infectious diseases for 32%. In the group who died of infectious diseases, respiratory infections and diarrhoea were equally important, each accounting for 12% of all deaths. A total of 87% of the deaths occurred in the first six months of life, and this proportion remained high (77%) even after perinatal causes had been excluded. On the other hand, 53% of the infants who died were of low birth weight, as opposed to 7.9% of the survivors. This suggests that low birthweight infants need to be carefully followed by health workers at primary level, especially during the first six months. It was estimated that if the incidence of low birth weight was reduced from the present 8.8% to 5% the likely reduction in infant mortality would be 20%. This reduction would be 33% for deaths due to perinatal causes, 14% for respiratory infections, and only 5% for diarrhoea. Efforts for the prevention of infant deaths in southern Brazil are more likely to be effective if they concentrate on improving perinatal health care and environmental conditions.