Acknowledgement

The researchers would like to express their sincere gratitude to their instructor Ms.

Giecel Venice Mogol for the continuous support of their study and research, for her

patience, motivation, enthusiasm, and immense knowledge. Her guidance helped the

researchers in all the time of research and writing of this research paper. Besides their

instructor, the researcher would like to thank their friends for helping them, for the

sleepless nights they were working together before deadlines. Also the researchers would

like to thank their family, and Almighty God for the support and inspiration.
 Methodology

The descriptive method of research was used in this study. Descriptive method of

research is a fact-finding study with sufficient and accurate interpretation of the findings.

It describes with emphasis what actually exist such as current conditions, practices,

situations, or any phenomena. Since the study or investigation was only concerned about

neonatal mortality, the whole research is only focusing attention on it. The descriptive

method was the most appropriate or fitted to use. The method of collecting data used was

through sorting documents and references through the help of the relevant reference

works like encyclopedias, dictionaries and some journals regarding acne and by using

internet that provides new updated information about certain topic. The researchers did

the mechanics of gathering source materials, taking notes, and documenting sources with

a deeper analysis and interpretation. The other instrument used to collect data was the

survey. The survey was given to the adults to fill up for validation. It was given to them

because they are the only available respondents and fitted to the study. The needed data

were completed and had been validated. The copies of the survey were distributed

personally by the researchers to the respondents. Just after the few minutes, all the copies

distributed were retrieved also personally by the researchers.

 Abstract

An infant mortality rate (IMR) is considered a primary and important indicator of a

geographic areas (country, state) overall health status or quality of life. It is defined as

deaths under one year of age in a year per 1000 live births. Reduction of infant mortality

has been one of the key issues for the government. It has been criticized as a measure of

population health because it is narrowly based and likely to focus the attention of health

policy on a small part of the population to the exclusion of the rest.

The aim of this research paper is to clear out the misconceptions about the causes of

neonatal mortality and inform the readers about it and to measure infant mortality rate,

investigate risk factors for infant deaths and identify causes of death of babies.
 Introduction

A neonatal death is defined as a death during the first 28 days of life (0-27 days).

Number of neonatal deaths in a given population and reference period and number of live

births in the same population and reference. Infant mortality refers to deaths of young

children, typically those less than one year of age. It is measured by the infant mortality

rate (IMR), which is the number of deaths of children under one year of age per 1000 live

births.

The leading causes of infant mortality are birth asphyxia, pneumonia, term birth

complication, neonatal infection, diarrhea, malaria, measles and malnutrition. Many

factors contribute to infant mortality, such as the mother's level of education,

environmental conditions, and political and medical infrastructure. Improving sanitation,

access to clean drinking water, immunization against infectious diseases, and other public

health measures can help reduce high rates of infant mortality. Low birth weight also

contributes significantly to infant mortality in developing nations. Children born with

lower weights are more than forty times more likely to die within the first year.

Infant mortality rates can be seen as measures of a nations health and social

conditions. Infant mortality rates are lowest in northern and Western

Europe, Japan, Australia, Canada, and the United States. However, infant mortality rates

are highest in nations such as Afghanistan, Angola, Chad and Somalia.

 Review of Related Literature

The death of a baby before his or her first birthday is called infant mortality. The

infant mortality rate is the number of infant deaths that occur for every 1,000 live births.

This rate is often used as an indicator to measure the health and well-being of a nation,

because factors affecting the health of entire populations can also impact the mortality

rate of infants. There are significant differences in infant mortality by race and ethnicity;

for instance, the mortality rate for black infants is more than twice that of white infants.

Most newborns grow and thrive. However, for every 1,000 babies that are born,

almost six die during their first year. Most of these babies die as a result of birth defects,

preterm birth, maternal complications of pregnancy, sudden infant death syndrome, and

injuries.

Pregnancy outcomes are influenced by a womans health and differ by factors such

as race, ethnicity, age, location, health care access, education, and income. Preconception

health focuses on actions women can take before and between pregnancies to increase

their chances of having a healthy baby, including thinking about their goals for having or

not having children and how to achieve those goals, addressing health issues with their

health care provider before getting pregnant, and adopting a healthy lifestyle.

Health care providers and women can work together before and during pregnancy to

address problems if they arise and improve womens chances for healthy outcomes.

Some women may be advised to give birth at special hospitals, especially if they are at

risk of delivering a very small or very sick baby. These hospitals have staff and

equipment needed to provide advanced newborn life support and medical services.
 Recommendation

To reduce the risk of SIDS, infants should be placed for sleep in a supine position

(wholly on the back) for every sleep by every caregiver until the child reaches 1 year of

age. Side sleeping is not safe and is not advised. Infants should be placed on a firm sleep

surface (eg, mattress in a safety-approved crib) covered by a fitted sheet with no other

bedding or soft objects to reduce the risk of SIDS and suffocation. Breastfeeding is

associated with a reduced risk of SIDS. Unless contraindicated, mothers should

breastfeed exclusively or feed with expressed milk

It is recommended that infants sleep in the parents room, close to the parents bed,

but on a separate surface designed for infants, ideally for the first year of life, but at least

for the first 6 months. Keep soft objects and loose bedding away from the infants sleep

area to reduce the risk of SIDS, suffocation, entrapment, and strangulation. Consider

offering a pacifier at nap time and bedtime. Avoid smoke exposure during pregnancy and

after birth. Avoid alcohol and illicit drug use during pregnancy and after birth. Avoid

overheating and head covering in infants.

Pregnant women should obtain regular prenatal care. Infants should be immunized

in accordance with recommendations of the AAP and Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention. Avoid the use of commercial devices that are inconsistent with safe sleep

recommendations. Do not use home cardiorespiratory monitors as a strategy to reduce the

risk of SIDS.
 Conclusion

Infant mortality is a complex and multifactorial problem that has proved resistant to

intervention efforts. Continued increases in preterm and low birth weight delivery present

major challenges to further improvement in the infant mortality rate. Infant mortality is

an important indicator of the health of a nation, as it is associated with a variety of factors

such as maternal health, quality and access to medical care, socioeconomic conditions,

and public health practices.

Considerable care should be taken in the assessment of changes and differences in

infant mortality rates. While it may be tempting to attribute credit to programs and blame

to social factors, e.g., rising drug use, it is important to recognize that multiple factors are

continuously influencing infant mortality patterns. Nevertheless, infant mortality remains

a topic of intense political interest and there are myriad pressures to establish the "cause"

of annual fluctuation in rates. This interest is justified, as the loss of an infant is a

wrenching personal family tragedy and should be reason for societal involvement and

concern.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the unexplained death, usually during

sleep, of a seemingly healthy baby less than a year old. SIDS is sometimes known as crib

death because the infants often die in their cribs. Although the cause is unknown, it

appears that SIDS may be associated with abnormalities in the portion of an infant's brain

that controls breathing and arousal from sleep.

Researchers have discovered some factors that may put babies at extra risk. They

have also identified some measures that can take to help protect the child from SIDS.

Perhaps the most important measure is placing the baby on his or her back to sleep.

Causes of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

A combination of physical and sleep environmental factors can make an infant more

vulnerable to SIDS. These factors may vary from child to child.

Physical factors associated with SIDS include:

Brain abnormalities

Some infants are born with problems that make them more likely to die of SIDS. In

many of these babies, the portion of the brain that controls breathing and arousal from

sleep is not yet mature enough to work properly.

Low birth weight

Premature birth or being part of a multiple birth increases the likelihood that a

baby's brain has not matured completely, so he or she has less control over such

automatic processes as breathing and heart rate.

Respiratory infection

Many infants who died of SIDS had recently had a cold, which may contribute to

breathing problems.

Sleep environmental factors

The items in a baby's crib and his or her sleeping position can combine with a baby's

physical problems to increase the risk of SIDS. Examples include:

Sleeping on the stomach or side

Babies who are placed on their stomachs or sides to sleep may have more difficulty

breathing than those placed on their backs.

Sleeping on a soft surface

Lying face down on a fluffy comforter or a waterbed can block an infant's airway.

Draping a blanket over a baby's head also is risky.

Sleeping with parents

While the risk of SIDS is lowered if an infant sleeps in the same room as his or her

parents, the risk increases if the baby sleeps in the same bed partly because there are

more soft surfaces to impair breathing.

Risk Factors of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Although sudden infant death syndrome can strike any infant, researchers have

identified several factors that may increase a baby's risk. They include the sex, age, race,

family history, secondhand smoke, and being premature.

Maternal risk factors

During pregnancy, the risk of SIDS is also affected by the mother, especially if she

is younger than 20, smokes cigarettes, uses drugs or alcohol, and has inadequate prenatal

care.

Coping and Support in SIDS

After losing a baby to SIDS, getting emotional support is critical. The parents may

feel guilt as well as grief, and they will be dealing with the mandatory police

investigation into cause of death. They may find it comforting to talk to other parents

whose lives have been touched by SIDS.

The doctor may be able to recommend a support group in the area, or they can visit

an online SIDS chat room. Talking to a trusted friend, counselor or clergy member may

also help.

Communicate the feelings

If they can, let friends and family know how they are feeling. People want to help,

but they may not know how to approach them. As the baby's parents, be as open as

possible with each other. Losing a child can put a terrible strain on a marriage.

Counseling may help some couples understand and express their feelings.

Allow time for healing

Finally, give time to grieve. Don't worry if they find their self-crying unexpectedly, if

holidays and other celebratory times are especially difficult, or if they are tired and
drained much of the time. They are dealing with a devastating loss and healing takes

time.

Prevention in SIDS

Back to sleep

Place the baby to sleep resting on his or her back, rather than on the stomach or

side. This is not necessary when the baby's awake or able to roll over both ways without

help. Do not assume that others will place the baby to sleep in the correct position insist

on it. Advise sitters and child care personnel not to use the stomach position to calm an

upset baby.

Keep the crib as bare as possible

Use a firm mattress and avoid placing the baby on thick, fluffy padding, such as

lambskin or a thick quilt. Do not leave pillows, fluffy toys or stuffed animals in the crib.

These may interfere with breathing if the baby's face presses against them.

Do not overheat the baby

To keep the baby warm, try a sleep sack or other sleep clothing that does not require

additional covers. Tuck the blanket securely into the foot of the mattress, with just

enough length to cover the baby's shoulders. Then place the baby in the crib, near the

foot, covered loosely with the blanket. Do not cover the baby's head.

Have baby sleep in parents' room until age 1

 Ideally, baby should sleep in the same room as the parents for the first year of life or at

least for the first six months to decrease the risk of SIDS. Baby should sleep alone in his

or her own crib, bassinet or other surface designed for infants. Adult beds are not safe for

infants. A baby can become trapped and suffocate between the headboard slats, the space

between the mattress and the bed frame, or the space between the mattress and the wall.

A baby can also suffocate if a sleeping parent accidentally rolls over and covers the

baby's nose and mouth.

Breastfeed the baby

Breast-feeding for at least six months lowers the risk of SIDS.

Offer a pacifier

Sucking on a pacifier at naptime and bedtime may reduce the risk of SIDS. Wait to

offer a pacifier until your baby is 3 to 4 weeks old and have settled into an effective

nursing routine. If the baby's not interested in the pacifier, do not force it. Try again

another day. If the pacifier falls out in the baby's mouth while he or she is sleeping, do

not pop it back in.