Abstract
Objective: To determine inequality in mortality in 1-59 months children across Iranian provinces using hospital medical records system. Methodology: After designing and examining a national questionnaire in hospitals for mortality data collection of children 1-59 months, 40 Medical Universities were asked to fill in the questionnaires and return to the main researcher in the health ministry in 2009. Results: Mortality in 1-59 months children was unequally distributed across Iranian hospitals. Cough, drowsiness, and eating and drinking problem were the most important reasons of hospitalization in both genders. There were significant differences between boys and girls in vomiting (p=0.005), drowsiness (p=0.024), and bleeding (p=0.004). Most of the patients had very bad and not suitable situation at entrance (p=0.211). There was a significant difference between two sexes in vaccination (p=0.019). There was no significant difference between boys and girls on first weight in hospital, last weight, breaths per minute, and pulse rate per minute (p > 0.05). The first five most important diagnosis were congenital, accident (girls) pulmonary (boys), cardiovascular, CNS and metabolic diseases. Conclusions: Our results suggest that inequality in 1-59 months mortality based on hospital medical records system needs more attention in Iran as a whole and in most of its provinces by policy-makers. Investigating why inequality is higher in some provinces deserves special attention. In addition, it is advisable to conduct provincial representative surveys to provide recent estimates of heath inequalities and to allow monitoring over time.
Highlights
More than 8 million children die annually worldwide[1] and child mortality has received substantial attention as an important section of the United Millennium Development Goals (UNMDG).[2]
Some researchers have recommended that decreases in children mortality
Www.pjms.com.pk 269 could be at least partly attributed to the improved measurement of children mortality.[8]
Summary
More than 8 million children die annually worldwide[1] and child mortality has received substantial attention as an important section of the United Millennium Development Goals (UNMDG).[2]. A vital registration system which could record all births and deaths is the optimal way to monitor children mortality; very few developing countries have complete vital registration systems.[10]
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have