Analysis Of The Rate Of Infant Mortality From One Month To One Year

Analysis of the Rate of Infant Mortality from One Month to One Year.

ABSTRACT

The high rate of infant deaths in Nigeria has become a serious national concern. Every year, thousands of newborns die from preventable diseases before celebrating their first birthday. This tragedy weakens the country’s hope for a healthy and productive future, as children represent the foundation of every nation’s growth and continuity. Infant mortality also reflects the quality of a nation’s healthcare system and social development.

This study statistically analyzes the rate of infant mortality among children aged one month to one year. The research was conducted using data obtained from Park Lane General Hospital, Enugu, with attention to the number of deaths and their distribution by sex. The analysis considered major factors influencing infant mortality such as parental awareness, nutrition, environmental sanitation, and access to medical care.

The study found that diseases such as measles, tetanus, diphtheria, tuberculosis, and poliomyelitis remain major causes of infant deaths in Nigeria. Government programs like the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT) have significantly reduced infant mortality, though gaps in awareness and rural health delivery still persist.

Finally, the research recommends that parents be properly educated on child nutrition and hygiene, that healthcare workers intensify immunization campaigns, and that the government continue investing in maternal and child health services. Through these actions, the rate of infant mortality in Nigeria can be reduced to the barest minimum.

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Infant mortality remains one of the most sensitive indicators of a country’s health status and level of development. In Nigeria, many children die before their first birthday due to preventable causes. Diseases such as diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles, and childhood tuberculosis have continued to claim young lives, particularly in rural communities.

A 1981 publication by the Federal Epidemiological Unit of the Federal Ministry of Health, Lagos, highlighted that thousands of Nigerian children die annually from these diseases. Despite the availability of vaccines and medical interventions, factors such as malnutrition, poor environmental sanitation, and lack of parental awareness have contributed to the persistent problem.

Children’s survival and growth largely depend on their parents’ knowledge and care, especially mothers. Unfortunately, in many rural areas, some parents lack adequate information about balanced diets and child health care. Consequently, many children suffer from malnutrition and weak immunity, making them vulnerable to infections. Illiteracy and cultural beliefs further limit the adoption of preventive health practices, increasing the risk of infant death.

1.2 Government Efforts and Health Interventions

To combat the rising rate of infant deaths, the Nigerian government, through the Ministry of Health, launched several preventive programs. One of the most successful among them is the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), which targets six major childhood diseases—measles, whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, and tuberculosis.

In addition, the Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT) program was introduced to teach parents how to prepare a simple mixture of salt, sugar, and water to treat diarrhea, one of the leading causes of child deaths. These initiatives have significantly reduced the rate of infant mortality, especially in urban centers. However, poor access to healthcare facilities and lack of awareness in rural areas continue to hinder progress.

The government also maintains surveillance against diseases such as smallpox, even though Nigeria has been declared free from it. Awareness campaigns, vaccination drives, and community health education remain vital tools in the ongoing fight against infant mortality. Nevertheless, achieving lasting improvement requires continuous effort, especially in rural communities where healthcare services are limited.

1.3 Statement of the Problem

Despite numerous health interventions, infant mortality in Nigeria remains high. Many infants still die within their first year due to preventable causes. The persistence of this problem suggests gaps in healthcare delivery, parental education, and community awareness.

Inadequate nutrition, poor hygiene, low income, and limited access to hospitals further worsen the situation. Therefore, it becomes essential to statistically analyze the pattern of infant deaths, identify risk factors, and determine whether sex differences or other demographic variables influence mortality rates.

1.4 Aim and Objectives of the Study

The primary aim of this research is to analyze the rate of infant mortality among children aged one month to one year in Nigeria, using data from Park Lane General Hospital, Enugu.

The specific objectives are to:

1. Determine the ratio of male to female infant deaths.
2. Assess whether the observed mortality rate exceeds the global standard range of 10–55 deaths per 1,000 live births.
3. Test whether infant mortality is independent of the sex of the child.
4. Compare the mean mortality rates of male and female infants.
5. Suggest effective preventive measures to reduce infant deaths in Nigeria.

1.5 Research Questions

This study seeks to answer the following questions:

1. What is the current rate of infant mortality in Enugu within the age range of one month to one year?
2. Are male infants more likely to die than female infants?
3. How does the mortality rate compare with the global standard range?
4. What are the major causes of infant deaths in the study area?
5. Which preventive measures can significantly reduce infant mortality?

1.6 Significance of the Study

This research is significant because it provides reliable data and insights into the rate and causes of infant mortality in Nigeria. The findings will help policymakers, healthcare workers, and public health planners improve child survival strategies.

Moreover, the study will contribute to ongoing discussions on public health and help evaluate the effectiveness of government programs such as EPI and ORT. Parents and communities will also benefit from the recommendations on hygiene, nutrition, and child care practices that can reduce infant deaths.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study focuses on infants aged one month to one year, with data sourced from Park Lane General Hospital, Enugu. It examines infant deaths according to sex, disease type, and causes. Although the findings may not represent all regions of Nigeria, they provide valuable insight into trends that can guide national health policies.

1.8 Definition of Terms

• Infant Mortality: The death of children under one year of age per 1,000 live births.
• Immunization: The process of protecting the body from infectious diseases through vaccination.
• EPI (Expanded Programme on Immunization): A government initiative designed to immunize children against six killer diseases.
• ORT (Oral Rehydration Therapy): A simple home-based treatment for diarrhea using salt, sugar, and clean water.
• Malnutrition: A condition resulting from inadequate or unbalanced nutrition.
• Epidemiology: The study of the distribution and determinants of health-related events in populations.