1. What is Infant Mortality Rate?

The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) is the number of deaths of infants under one year old per 1,000 live births. It is a key indicator of population health and healthcare system effectiveness.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the IMR formula:

Where:

• \( Infant Deaths \) — Number of deaths of infants under 1 year
• \( Live Births \) — Number of live births in the same period
• \( 1000 \) — Standard multiplier for reporting rate per 1000

Explanation: The formula calculates the proportion of infant deaths relative to live births, scaled to a standard population size of 1000.

3. Importance of IMR Calculation

Details: IMR is a sensitive indicator of population health, reflecting socioeconomic conditions, healthcare quality, and public health interventions. It's used for international comparisons and health policy evaluation.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the number of infant deaths and live births for the same time period. Ensure data comes from reliable sources like vital statistics or health registries.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What time period should be used for calculation?
A: Typically one calendar year, but any consistent time period can be used as long as both numerator and denominator cover the same period.

Q2: What are considered normal IMR values?
A: In developed countries, IMR is typically below 5. Global averages are higher, with significant variation between countries.

Q3: How does IMR differ from neonatal mortality rate?
A: IMR covers deaths under 1 year, while neonatal mortality rate only includes deaths in the first 28 days of life.

Q4: What factors affect IMR?
A: Prenatal care, maternal health, nutrition, sanitation, access to healthcare, and socioeconomic factors all influence IMR.

Q5: Why multiply by 1000?
A: This standardization allows for meaningful comparison between populations of different sizes.