Mortality in infants under 1 year from injuries, Chile 2000

Abstract

Introduction: Infant mortality (IM) of all causes have been reduced in Chile during the 90´s. This is especially valid for some causes of death, such as external injury (EI). 

Objective: To characterise the infant mortality in Chile caused by EI. 

Method: Data was obtained using death certificates. 

Results: In both sexes the main diagnosis was asphyxia caused by foreign body inhalation, secondary to inhalation and regurgitation of food. Infants dying from external causes were older, had older parents, and less educated mothers in comparison with infants who died from other causes. 

Conclusions: This data will provide basic infomation for the prevention of these deaths.