Trends in perinatal and neonatal mortality and morbidity in India

Abstract

Although the infant mortality rate (IMR) has reduced by 50% during the past century, it compares poorly with the advanced countries and some developing countries. The observed fall in IMR has been mostly in post-neonatal mortality, with the result that neonatal deaths now account for over 60% of all infant deaths. The overall perinatal mortality rate (PMR) in India is still over 50 per 1000 and has shown virtually no decline during the past decade, However, PMR differs widely in different states, urban/rural areas, different hospitals and so on. PMR is seen to correlate better with social development than economic development of the representative community. The causes of perinatal deaths suggest poor health of mother and poor health facilities and are hence potentially preventable. Various studies have shown that PMR can be significantly reduced within a short span of time. The registration of vital statistics continue to be highly unsatisfactory especially in rural areas.

PIP: Although the infant mortality rate (IMR) in India has been reduced by 50% over the past century, it compares poorly with the developed countries and with some developing countries. The observed fall in IMR has been the result of change in postneonatal mortality with the result that neonatal deaths now account for over 60% of all infant deaths. The overall perinatal mortality rate (PMR) in India is still over 50/1000 and has shown virtually no decline during the past decade. However, PMR differs widely in different states, urban/rural areas, different hospitals, etc. PMR is seen to correlate better with social development that economic development of the representative community. The causes of perinatal deaths suggest poor health of the mother and poor health facilities and are therefore potentially preventable. Various studies have shown that PMR can be significantly reduced within a short span of time. The registration of vital statistics continues to be highly unsatisfactory, especially in rural areas.