Study of infant and childhood mortality in an ICDS block of eastern U.P
Singh, S.P.; Reddy, D.C.; Mohapatra, S.C.; Gaur, S.D.
Indian Journal of Public Health 37(2): 61-65
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-557X PMID: 8138291 Document Number: 336375
This analysis aims to determine the extent of underreporting of births and deaths by anganwadi workers (AWW) in Barhaj Mahen project area in Eastern Uttar Pradesh state, India, in 1988, and to identify the birth rate and childhood mortality rate. Causes of mortality are identified. The project area is known to have a high infant mortality rate. Data were obtained from 11 AWW areas serving a population of 10,206. Sampling followed the random cluster technique. Initial household data collection missed 309 births (36.6%) but only 10/72 deaths (13.9%). 35.5% of male and 37.8% of female births were unreported. 14.6% of male and 12.9% of female deaths were unreported. 18 neonatal and 5 postneonatal infants died. Early neonatal mortality was 45.3/1000 live births, and neonatal mortality was 58.3. Infant mortality was 74.7, and maternal mortality was 6.5/1000 live births. Respiratory infections accounted for the highest mortality (25.9%). Other cause of death were diarrhea (22.3%), fever (14.8%), prematurity (8.1%), tetanus (7.4%), and accident (3.7%). The total death rate (7.2/1000) was lower than the national average. The birth rate in project areas of Uttar Pradesh was almost the same as the national average. Postneonatal mortality showed the lowest rates compared to Uttar Pradesh and the nation. Since this study area had been included in the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) since 1981, it is likely that the lower child mortality reflects the emphasis on ICDS services. Underreporting of deaths is considered to be marginal.