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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, females
Indicator code: E070100.F 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: Female Infants per 1000 Live Births

Infant mortality rates are a critical indicator of a nation's health and development status. Specifically, the metric of infant deaths per 1000 live births among females provides valuable insights into the health challenges and disparities that may exist within a population. This indicator not only reflects the effectiveness of prenatal and postnatal healthcare services but also highlights the broader socio-economic conditions affecting maternal and infant health. By examining this data, policymakers and health professionals can better allocate resources and design interventions aimed at reducing infant mortality and improving overall public health outcomes.

Calculating Infant Deaths per 1000 Live Births for Females

To calculate the rate of infant deaths per 1000 live births among females, health statisticians use a straightforward formula: (Number of Female Infant Deaths / Number of Female Live Births) x 1000. This calculation provides a standardized measure to compare across different regions and time periods. Accurate data collection from hospitals, health clinics, and birth registries is crucial for this calculation. It ensures that every infant death and live birth is accounted for, providing a clear picture of health trends and enabling targeted health interventions.

The Significance of Monitoring Female Infant Mortality Rates

Tracking the infant mortality rate, especially among females, is essential for understanding gender-specific health outcomes in early childhood. This data helps identify potential genetic, environmental, or social factors that might contribute to higher vulnerability among female infants. Moreover, it assists in evaluating the effectiveness of health policies and programs aimed at reducing infant mortality, such as vaccination campaigns, maternal education, and improved healthcare services. Ultimately, this indicator is crucial for advancing gender equality in health and ensuring that all children, regardless of gender, have a healthy start in life.

Strengths and Limitations of the Infant Mortality Indicator for Female Infants

While the infant mortality rate is a valuable health indicator, it comes with its own set of strengths and limitations that affect its utility and accuracy.

Strengths

This indicator is universally recognized and widely used, allowing for global comparisons and trend analysis over time. It is instrumental in assessing the health and well-being of the most vulnerable populations—infants. Moreover, it serves as a proxy for assessing the overall effectiveness of a country's healthcare system, particularly in maternal and child health care. The data derived from this indicator can influence policy decisions, resource allocation, and the implementation of targeted health programs.

Limitations

However, the reliability of this indicator heavily depends on the quality and completeness of birth and death registration systems. In regions where these systems are underdeveloped or data is poorly collected, the infant mortality rates may be underestimated or inaccurately reported. Additionally, this indicator does not account for the socio-economic and cultural factors that can significantly influence infant mortality rates. Factors such as maternal education, access to healthcare, and economic conditions are crucial but not directly reflected in the infant mortality rate. Lastly, the focus on female infants, while crucial, must be balanced with male infant data to ensure comprehensive gender-sensitive health strategies.

Understanding both the strengths and limitations of the infant mortality rate for female infants is essential for using the data effectively. It helps in crafting more accurate, effective, and inclusive health policies and interventions that can save lives and improve the quality of life for infants and mothers worldwide.