Under-Five Mortality

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Under-Five Mortality - Tiny Lives, Big Numbers

  • Definitions (per 1000 live births generally, unless specified):
    • U5MR (Under-Five Mortality Rate): Deaths < 5 yrs. $U5MR = \frac{\text{Deaths < 5 yrs/yr}}{\text{Live births/yr}} \times 1000$.
    • IMR (Infant Mortality Rate): Deaths < 1 yr.
    • NMR (Neonatal Mortality Rate): Deaths < 28 days. (Early: <7d; Late: 7-<28d).
    • PMR (Perinatal Mortality Rate): Stillbirths (≥28wk gest.) + Early NMR per 1000 (Live Births + Stillbirths ≥28wk gest.).
    • CMR (Child Mortality Rate): Deaths 1-4 yrs per 1000 children aged 1-4 yrs.
  • Current Rates (India SRS 2020 / Global U5MR 2021):
    • U5MR: 32 / 38 (per 1000 live births).
    • IMR (India): 28 (per 1000 live births).
    • NMR (India): 20 (per 1000 live births).
  • SDG Target 3.2 (by 2030):
    • U5MR: ≤ 25/1000 live births.
    • NMR: ≤ 12/1000 live births.

⭐ Neonatal period (first 28 days) accounts for the majority of infant deaths and a significant portion of U5MR in India (approx. 71% of IMR & 62.5% of U5MR based on SRS 2020).

Under-Five Mortality - Lethal Culprits

Key global killers of children under five include:

  • Prematurity & low birth weight complications
  • Birth asphyxia and trauma
  • Pneumonia (Acute Respiratory Infections)
  • Diarrheal diseases
  • Neonatal sepsis and other severe infections
  • Congenital anomalies
  • Malaria
  • Malnutrition (major underlying factor)
  • Injuries (especially for older under-fives)

Age-Specific Dominant Causes in India:

Age GroupPrimary Causes
Neonatal (<28 days)Prematurity, Birth asphyxia, Neonatal sepsis, Pneumonia, Congenital anomalies
Post-neonatal (1-11 mo)Pneumonia, Diarrhea, Sepsis, Malaria, Malnutrition
Child (1-4 years)Pneumonia, Diarrhea, Injuries (e.g., drowning), Malaria, Malnutrition, Measles

⭐ In India, the leading causes of neonatal mortality are prematurity/LBW, birth asphyxia/trauma, and neonatal infections. This accounts for the majority of infant deaths and a significant portion of under-five deaths.

Under-Five Mortality - Vulnerability Web

Key interconnected factors increasing vulnerability:

  • Socio-demographic Factors:
    • Maternal education (low)
    • Poverty & low socioeconomic status
    • Early marriage & young maternal age (<20 years)
    • High birth order & short birth spacing (<24 months)
    • Female child (gender discrimination)
  • Nutritional Factors:
    • Maternal malnutrition (anemia, undernutrition)
    • Poor infant & young child feeding (IYCF) practices
    • Micronutrient deficiencies
  • Environmental Factors:
    • Inadequate sanitation & unsafe water
    • Poor housing & overcrowding
    • Indoor air pollution
  • Healthcare-related Factors:
    • Limited access to quality antenatal, natal & postnatal care
    • Poor immunization coverage
    • Delayed care-seeking for childhood illnesses

⭐ Maternal education level is a powerful predictor of under-five mortality; each additional year of maternal schooling can reduce U5MR by 5-10%.

Under-Five Mortality - Saving Futures

  • Key Strategies:

    • IMNCI: Manages childhood illnesses. Incl. F-IMNCI.
    • HBNC: ASHA: 6 home visits (Days 0,3,7,14,21,28); extra for LBW (Day 42).
    • RMNCH+A Strategy: Continuum of care.
    • UIP: Vaccine-preventable disease control.
    • IYCF: EBF (0-6 mo), complementary feeding.
    • WASH: Safe water, sanitation, hygiene.
  • RMNCH+A Components:

    RMNCH+AKey Focus
    RFP, Adol. Health (WIFS)
    MANC, Inst. Delivery, PNC
    NENBC, SNCU
    CIMNCI, Immunize, Nutrition (Vit A)
    AAdolescent Health Services

⭐ JSSK: Free delivery (incl. C-section), drugs, diet, transport for pregnant women in public facilities.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • U5MR: Deaths of children < 5 years per 1000 live births.
  • Top causes: Pneumonia, Diarrhea, Prematurity & LBW, Birth Asphyxia.
  • Neonatal Mortality (<28 days deaths) significantly contributes to U5MR; main causes: Prematurity, Sepsis, Asphyxia.
  • Core interventions: IMNCI, ENC, Immunization, ORS, Exclusive Breastfeeding.
  • SDG Target 3.2: Reduce U5MR to ≤ 25/1000 live births by 2030.
  • India's U5MR (NFHS-5): 35.5/1000 live births; focus on reducing disparities.

Practice Questions: Under-Five Mortality

Test your understanding with these related questions

What is the target age group for the Integrated Management of Neonatal and Childhood Illnesses (IMNCI)?

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Flashcards: Under-Five Mortality

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Which health program is aimed to train health personnel in basic newborn care and resuscitation?_____

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

Which health program is aimed to train health personnel in basic newborn care and resuscitation?_____

Navjat Shishu Suraksha Karyakram

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