- 會議論文
- OpenAccess
- Ahead-of-Print
DETERMINANTS OF INFANT MORTALITY IN SAMDRUP JONGKHAR DISTRICT, BHUTAN
摘要
Background: Infant mortality is an important indicator of health and well-being of the population. Samdrup Jongkhar district has reported an increasing trend in infant mortality rates over the recent years. This study aimed to understand the determinants of infant mortality in Samdrup Jongkhar. Methodology: A population based case-control study matched for place, month and year of birth was conducted in May 2018. Case group comprised of 79 mothers who lost their infants between 1^(st) January 2015-30^(th) April 2018 while 158 mothers with living children born during the same period and living closest to home where infant mortality occurred were recruited as controls. Socio-demographic information was collected by personal interview, while health service related information was retrieved from medical records. Odds ratio and 95% CI’s were estimated using univariate analysis. Results: Premature new-borns and those with low birth weight were 5.9 times and 4.1 times more likely to die while new-borns delivered at health facilities were 3.7 times more likely to survive. New-borns whose mothers received better antenatal and post-natal care services were more likely to survive. Around two-thirds of deaths occurred during the post-natal period. Over half of these post-natal deaths either occurred at home or in ambulance while in transit to the health facility. Cause of death could not be ascertained for 43.0% of the infants. Conclusion The study found that prematurity and low birth weight had the highest influence on survival of an infant. The study recommends to implement a multi stakeholder collaborative approach including local leaders, village health workers and religious leaders to strengthen ante-natal and post-natal care services in the district and to reassure parents to seek early medical care during child illness.