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Data set notes

European Health for All database

Indicators: 565

Updated: 18 October 2024

Contact: Data and Digital Health Unit (DDH)

The following abbreviations are used in the indicator titles:

• SDR: age-standardized death rates (see HFA-DB user manual/Technical notes, page 13, for details)

• FTE: full-time equivalent

• PP: physical persons

• PPP$: purchasing power parities expressed in US $, an internationally comparable scale reflecting the relative domestic purchasing powers of currencies.

More information: http://www.euro.who.int/en/data-and-evidence/databases/european-health-for-all-database-hfa-db

Indicator notes

Infant deaths per 1000 live births, males
Indicator code: E070100.M This indicator shares the definition with the parent indicator \"Infant deaths per 1000 live births\".

A measure of the yearly rate of deaths in children less than one year old. The denominator is the number of live births in the same year. Infant mortality rate = [(Number of deaths in a year of children less than 1 year of age) / (Number of live births in the same year)] *1000 (ICD-10). Unfortunately, some countries are not able to ensure complete registration of all death cases and births.

Therefore, infant mortality rates which are calculated using incomplete mortality data are lower than they actually are. In some cases under-registration of deaths may reach 20% or more and this has to be kept in mind when making comparisons between countries. Particularly high levels of mortality under- registration are observed in countries of central Asia and Caucasus, Albania and possibly some other coutries, like those of former Yugoslavia .

See indicator No1100 070110 which contains different estimates for the same indicator, based on other sources and special methods._

Country/Area notes

Georgia

Data from 1990 onwards are estimates of the State Statisitcs Department made to adjust for
under-registration of deaths. They may be inconsistent with some other mortality-related indicators
which have been calculated using reported data on registered deaths.

Kyrgyzstan

Sharp increase in 2004 in early-neonatal and infant mortality trends is associated with the
introduction of the international live birth definition in Kyrgyzstan, thus increasing international
comparability of infant mortality data.

Tajikistan

January 2003: Livebirth data for years back to mid 1990s have been adjusted for under-registration
of births by the State Committee of Statistics of Tajikistan. However the mortality data remain
incomplete due to large under-registration of deaths, paticularly infant deaths. This results in
further significant under-estimation of infant mortality rate and other mortality-based indicators
due to the increase in denominator. To avoid this artificial reduction in infant mortality the
published national estimates of infant mortality in Tajikistan are used in HFA-DB for the period
from 1994.

Türkiye

Source: 2011 Istanbul University, Marmara University, Yildirim Beyazit University ?Infant and
Under-5 Mortality Study 2012?
Previous years Public Health Institution of Turkey

General notes

Understanding Infant Mortality: Male Infant Deaths per 1000 Live Births

Infant mortality rates are a critical indicator of a nation's health and development status. Specifically, the metric of male infant deaths per 1000 live births provides valuable insights into the health challenges and risks faced by newborn males in different regions. This indicator not only reflects the quality of maternal and infant health care but also highlights the biological vulnerabilities and social factors affecting male infants. By examining this data, health professionals and policymakers can better understand the effectiveness of current health interventions and the need for targeted strategies to reduce infant mortality among males.

Calculating Male Infant Deaths per 1000 Live Births

To calculate the number of male infant deaths per 1000 live births, health statisticians use a straightforward formula: (Number of Male Infant Deaths / Number of Male Live Births) x 1000. This calculation provides a mortality rate that is specific to male infants within their first year of life, offering a clear measure of health outcomes for newborn boys. Accurate data collection from hospital records, birth and death certificates, and national health databases is crucial for ensuring the reliability of this statistic. This rate helps in comparing health outcomes across different regions and over time, serving as a benchmark for health improvements or identifying areas needing attention.

The Significance of Tracking Male Infant Mortality Rates

Monitoring the rate of male infant deaths per 1000 live births is essential for assessing public health policies and the effectiveness of healthcare systems. This indicator helps identify disparities in health care access and outcomes among different population groups and geographical areas. It also aids in understanding the impact of prenatal and postnatal care improvements. For governments and health organizations, these insights are crucial for allocating resources effectively, designing targeted interventions, and ultimately reducing infant mortality rates to improve population health.

Strengths and Limitations of Male Infant Mortality Data

While the data on male infant deaths per 1000 live births is invaluable for health monitoring and planning, it comes with its own set of strengths and limitations.

Strengths

The primary strength of this indicator lies in its specificity and ability to highlight trends in infant health at a granular level. It allows for direct comparisons between different regions and time periods, facilitating global health assessments and international collaborations. Furthermore, this data is crucial for mobilizing healthcare resources, improving healthcare practices, and advocating for maternal and infant health policies.

Limitations

However, the accuracy of this data heavily depends on the quality of vital registration systems and the completeness of birth and death reporting. In regions with underdeveloped health data systems, these rates may be underestimated due to unreported or misclassified deaths. Additionally, this indicator does not account for the socioeconomic, environmental, and genetic factors that might influence infant mortality rates. Such limitations necessitate cautious interpretation and complementing this data with qualitative studies to gain a comprehensive understanding of the underlying causes of infant mortality.

Overall, while the indicator of male infant deaths per 1000 live births is a powerful tool for health assessment, it must be used judiciously, considering its contextual limitations and supported by other health metrics and research findings to guide public health decisions effectively.