Question

According to the Sample Registration System (SRS) 2020, in which of the following states was the infant mortality rate highest?

• A. Chhattisgarh
• B. Uttar Pradesh
• C. Bihar
• D. Madhya Pradesh

Answer 1

Answer:

D. Madhya Pradesh

Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) Trends

• The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) is a crucial indicator of a region's public health and socio-economic conditions. It represents the number of deaths of infants under one year of age per 1,000 live births in a given year.

• According to the Sample Registration System (SRS) 2020 data, Madhya Pradesh reported the highest Infant Mortality Rate among the states in India.

• The SRS is a demographic survey conducted by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India to provide reliable estimates of birth rates, death rates, and population growth rates.

Key Statistics and Comparisons (SRS 2020):

• Madhya Pradesh's IMR has consistently been a concern, often ranking among the highest in the country.

• While specific figures fluctuate yearly, states with higher IMR often face challenges in healthcare access, maternal and child health services, sanitation, and nutrition.

• The national average IMR for SRS 2020 was 28 deaths per 1,000 live births. States like Madhya Pradesh have reported rates significantly above this national average.

• It's important to note that IMR is inversely related to the development of a region. Higher IMR generally indicates lower levels of development.

Factors Contributing to High IMR:

• Socio-economic factors: Poverty, low literacy rates, and lack of awareness about health and hygiene.

• Healthcare access: Limited availability of quality antenatal and postnatal care, skilled birth attendants, and neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).

• Maternal health: Poor maternal nutrition, high rates of teenage pregnancies, and inadequate spacing between births.

• Environmental factors: Lack of access to clean drinking water and sanitation facilities.