POPLINE Document Number: 108719
Author(s):
Sadruddin S
Source citation:
In: Maternal and infant mortality policy and interventions: Report of an international workshop at the Aga Khan University, February 7-9, 1994. [Karachi, Pakistan], Aga Khan University, 1994. :83-6.
Abstract:
This paper presents preliminary findings on the levels and causes of infant mortality from rural areas of Balochistan province and three districts of Hazara division of NWFP. 20,486 households were interviewed in Balochistan and 959 infant deaths were reported during the past year. In the Hazara division, 7500 households reported 208 deaths during the same period. Verbal autopsy interviews were conducted on infant deaths reported in the past year to identify the major causes of death. The infant mortality rates (IMR) in the four districts of Balochistan are as follows: 172 deaths/1000 live births in Loralai, 142/1000 in Khuzdar, 121/1000 in Pishin, and 112/1000 in Lasbela. IMR in Hazara was 82/1000. Diarrhea was the most common cause of death in the two regions followed by acute respiratory infections (ARI), birth asphyxia, low birth weight, and neonatal tetanus. IMR was significantly related to the availability of clean drinking water and proper toilet facilities, birth spacing, and the death of a previous child under five years of age in the family during the past five years. Study findings suggest that a significant reduction in levels of IMR can be achieved by providing safe water and sanitation facilities in rural areas, accessible family planning services, active follow-up and support to mothers who have experienced a previous child death, an aggressive promotion of oral rehydration solution, and the case management of ARI.
Keywords:
PakistanIndex page
Research Report
Infant Mortality
Infant
Causes of Death
Rural Population
Asia, Southern
Asia
Developing Countries
Mortality
Population Dynamics
Demographic Factors
Population
Youth
Age Factors
Population Characteristics