Commonest cause of infant mortality rate in India is?

RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2019

Child Health Nursing (Pediatrics)

Easy

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2019

Explanation

Infant mortality is highest in the neonatal period (first 28 days), which accounts for over 70% of all infant deaths in India.
The single largest cause of neonatal mortality is prematurity and its direct consequence, low birth weight (LBW).
Data from India's Sample Registration System (SRS) confirms that prematurity/LBW is the principal cause of infant mortality, accounting for approximately 31.6% of all deaths in the first year of life.

Option A: While a major cause of death, respiratory infections (like pneumonia) are the second leading cause of overall infant mortality. They are, however, the leading cause of death in the post-neonatal period (1-12 months).
Option B: Congenital malformations are a significant cause of infant death but rank lower than prematurity and respiratory infections, contributing to about 5.3% of infant deaths in India.
Option C: Dehydration is a serious condition, usually resulting from diarrheal diseases. While diarrhea is a major killer of infants, especially in the post-neonatal period, it accounts for a smaller percentage (around 3.6%) of total infant deaths compared to prematurity.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Causes of Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) in India as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding that prematurity is the leading cause of IMR directs public health efforts towards improving antenatal care, maternal nutrition, and access to specialized newborn care units (SNCUs).
Nurses are central to reducing mortality from prematurity through evidence-based interventions like Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), managing hypothermia, and preventing infections in vulnerable newborns.
What if? If the question asked for the leading cause of death in children under 5 years old (not just infants), respiratory infections (pneumonia) would be a much stronger contender and often ranks as the top cause in that age group.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'Commonest cause', 'infant mortality rate', and the specific location 'India'.
Recall the definition of infant mortality: death of a child within the first year of life.
Mentally divide the first year into the neonatal period (first 28 days) and the post-neonatal period (29 days to 1 year).
Remember the critical fact that in India, the vast majority of infant deaths occur during the neonatal period.
Logically deduce that the leading cause of neonatal death is also the leading cause of overall infant death.
Evaluate the options: Prematurity/Low Birth Weight is the primary cause of neonatal death. Respiratory infections are the primary cause in the post-neonatal period. Since the neonatal period has a higher death toll, prematurity is the correct overall answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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