Introduction
Infant mortality refers to the death of a child before their first birthday and is a critical indicator of a population’s overall health and wellbeing. It reflects the social, economic, and environmental conditions in which children (and their families) live, including access to quality healthcare, maternal health, nutrition, and public health practices. High infant mortality rates often signal broader systemic issues such as poverty, inequality, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure.
The importance of addressing infant mortality lies in its profound implications for both individual families and society at large. From a health and wellbeing perspective, infant deaths are often preventable and can result from conditions such as premature birth, low birth weight, infections, and congenital anomalies. These outcomes are frequently linked to social determinants of health, including housing quality, education, income, and access to services. The emotional toll on families is immense, often leading to long-term psychological distress and trauma.
From a societal and economic standpoint, infant mortality imposes significant costs. These include direct healthcare expenses, long-term support for families, and the loss of potential future contributions to society.
Factors that increase the risk of infant mortality include:
- Smoking during pregnancy
- Teenage pregnancy
- Low birth rate
- Parental obesity
- Deprivation
- Not being breastfed
Other JSNA topics this topic closely linked to:
- Breastfeeding
- Children In Need
- Domestic Abuse
- Housing
- Looked After Children
- Mental Health
- Poverty
- Smoking
- Substance Misuse
- Vaccination & Screening