How has infant mortality evolved in France over the past two decades? Researchers have looked into this question and have shown that it has tended to increase over the past ten years. A result that raises questions about the possible causes of this evolution. Explanations on the rising infant mortality rate in France.
The infant mortality rate in France, a key health indicator
The state of health of a population is assessed through several key indicators, including the infant mortality rate. The infant mortality rate (noted IMR) is defined as the number of deaths of children under one year of age per 1,000 live births over a given period of time (usually one year). Currently in France, there is no regular monitoring of this health indicator.
To assess its evolution over the past twenty years, French and American researchers analyzed civil status data collected by INSEE over the period 2001-2019. A total of 53,077 deaths of children under the age of one year were recorded over the period considered, a figure to be compared to the 14,622,096 live births recorded during the same period. The average infant mortality rate is therefore 3.63 per 1,000.
A 7% increase between 2012 and 2019
In detail, the average infant mortality rate is different by gender, 4.00 per 1,000 for boys and 3.25 per 1,000 for girls. Furthermore, the majority of deaths occur during the first days of a child’s life:
- Nearly 50% during the first week;
- Nearly 25% from day one.
Beyond the average infant mortality rate over the period 2001-2019, the researchers detailed the evolution of this rate from year to year and observed several significant phases:
- A sharp drop in the rate between 2001 and 2005;
- A slight drop in the rate between 2005 and 2012;
- A significant increase of 7% between 2012 and 2019.
Identify the causes to reverse the trend
According to the United Nations, the infant mortality rate is linked to socio-economic development and the quality of preventive care and support for mother and child. Researchers have attempted to identify possible causes for this slowdown in the decline, then this rise in the infant mortality rate in France. They were quickly able to rule out a change in the collection of civil status data and a change in medical practices in neonatology care.
At this stage, the researchers have put forward several hypotheses, but have not succeeded in determining the origin of this evolution, even if the most sensitive period seems to be the early prenatal period. In any case, this significant increase in infant mortality should raise questions for public health authorities. It sets France apart from the trend of other industrialized countries, which have experienced a constant and steady decline in this health indicator since the end of the Second World War. France must determine what are the causes of this phenomenon to reverse the trend and reduce the number of annual infant deaths.
Estelle B., Doctor of Pharmacy
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