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Postneonatal mortality in Western Australia 1970-1978
Australian Paediatric Journal
|March 1, 1983
Summary
Postneonatal mortality in Western Australia declined between 1970-78. High-risk infants included those born to young, rural, unmarried mothers, with low birthweight, or multiple births. Major causes were SIDS, infections, and congenital abnormalities.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Postneonatal mortality rates have historically varied, influenced by socioeconomic and demographic factors.
- Understanding trends and risk factors is crucial for effective public health interventions.
- Previous studies highlighted specific risk groups, but comprehensive data from Western Australia over this period was needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in postneonatal mortality in Western Australia from 1970 to 1978.
- To identify high-risk infant and maternal demographic factors associated with postneonatal death.
- To determine the primary causes of postneonatal mortality during the study period.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a linked file of birth and death registrations for Western Australian infants.
- Analyzed mortality rates by sex, maternal age, marital status, rural/urban residence, birthweight, and previous birth order.
- Examined mortality differences between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal infants and identified causes of death.
Main Results:
- Postneonatal mortality demonstrated a declining trend throughout the study period (1970-78) for both males and females.
- High-risk infants were identified as those born to young, unmarried mothers in rural areas, particularly with low birthweight (<2500g), multiple births, or high birth order (>4).
- Aboriginal infants exhibited significantly higher postneonatal mortality rates, though a notable improvement was observed between 1976-77. Sudden infant death syndrome, infections, and congenital abnormalities were the leading causes of death.
Conclusions:
- Postneonatal mortality in Western Australia decreased significantly from 1970-78, indicating positive public health developments.
- Targeted interventions for high-risk groups, including socioeconomically disadvantaged and Aboriginal infants, remain critical.
- Continued surveillance and research into sudden infant death syndrome, infections, and congenital abnormalities are essential for further reducing infant mortality.