Variations and inconsistencies in maternal and child health indicators in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan

Abstract

As part of a community health assessment, variations in maternal and child health-related vital statistics data in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, from 1984 to 1993 were studied. Annual vital statistics reports published by the Prefectural government were used for the analysis. The following rates by public health district were calculated: abortion rate, early fetal mortality rate, late fetal mortality rate, perinatal mortality rate, neonatal mortality rate, and infant mortality rate. Maternal mortality rates were calculated for the Prefecture because of the small number of events. A few northern public health districts had relatively high perinatal mortality and infant mortality rates throughout the study period. Cause-specific infant mortality rates showed that the northern region had higher infant mortality rates related to the level of perinatal care, injury, and poisoning. Inconsistencies in the pattern of mortality were found in one of the 10 public health districts. No indirect maternal deaths were reported for the 10-year study period. This study identified potential problems for perinatal care in some districts. Results also suggest the potential misclassification of vital events, such as fetal deaths, induced abortions, and maternal deaths.