The number of deaths of children under one year of age in a given year per 1,000 live births registered in the same year is called the?

Appeared in: CGHS SSC - 2018

Explanation

The question provides the precise definition of the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR).
IMR specifically measures the death of live-born infants before their first birthday.
The rate is calculated as the number of infant deaths in a specific year divided by the number of live births in that same year, then multiplied by 1,000.
It is a universally accepted indicator of the health status of a population and the quality of its healthcare system, particularly maternal and child health services.

Option A: The Case Fatality Rate measures the deadliness of a specific disease, not overall mortality in a population group like infants.
Option C: The Stillbirth Rate measures fetal deaths that occur before or during delivery (typically after 28 weeks of gestation), not deaths of live-born infants.
Option D: The Maternal Mortality Rate focuses on the deaths of mothers due to pregnancy-related causes, not the deaths of their children.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Definition of Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a vital role in reducing IMR through health education, promoting antenatal care, ensuring skilled birth attendance, encouraging breastfeeding, and facilitating immunization schedules.
A high IMR in a community should prompt public health nurses to investigate underlying causes such as poor sanitation, malnutrition, or lack of access to primary healthcare.
What if the question asked for deaths of children under 28 days of age? The correct answer would then be the Neonatal Mortality Rate, which is a key component of the IMR.

How to Approach the Question

First, break down the definition provided in the question stem into its core components: the population group (children under one year), the event (death), and the denominator (per 1,000 live births).
Next, evaluate each option against these components.
Eliminate 'Case fatality rate' as it relates to a specific disease, not an age group.
Eliminate 'Still birth rate' as it concerns fetal deaths, not deaths after a live birth.
Eliminate 'Maternal mortality rate' as it concerns mothers, not infants.
The term 'Infant mortality rate' perfectly matches all components of the definition, making it the correct choice.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart A (pp 26-201 of 604) p. 10-12

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-232 of 464) p. 61-63

Practise the full CGHS SSC - 2018

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.