THE IMPACT OF BIRTH WEIGHT ON INFANT MORTALITY IN KAZAKHSTAN.

Abstract

Introduction: Recognizing the importance of birth weight is fundamental to addressing public health challenges associated with maternal and child health. Birth weight serves as a critical indicator, offering insights into mortality, stunting, and the development of chronic diseases later in life. This study delves into fertility and infant mortality trends in Kazakhstan, with a specific focus on understanding urban-rural disparities and gender variations in mortality rates.

Objectives: The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the influence of birth weight on infant mortality in Kazakhstan, considering demographic and regional nuances. Through comprehensive analysis, we aim to discern patterns and factors contributing to infant mortality, thereby informing targeted interventions and policies aimed at improving maternal and child health outcomes across the country.

Materials and methods: The analysis was conducted using the data provided by the Republican State Enterprise on the PCV of the "Republican Centre for Electronic Health Care" of the Ministry of Health of Kazakhstan.

Results: In Kazakhstan, birth rates reached their zenith in 2021 (total 446,491 births). However, this figure experienced a downturn in 2022, declining to 403,893 births. Notably, urban regions consistently reported higher birth rates compared to rural areas. The year 2022 witnessed a decline in birth rates across both urban and rural populations, with decreases of 9.5% and 11.7%, respectively, compared to the previous year. Analysis using linear regression techniques on infant mortality rates spanning from 2017 to 2022 revealed no statistically significant time trend (slope=51.29, correlation coefficient=0.42, p=0.41). Gender-specific disparities in mortality rates were starkly evident, with boys exhibiting higher mortality rates compared to girls across all population subsets. Geographical analysis conducted in 2022 exposed significant divergences in mortality rates across various regions.

Conclusions: The study highlights significant urban-rural disparities and gender differences in birth rates and infant mortality within Kazakhstan. It also confirms the protective effect of higher birth weight on infant mortality. Regional disparities suggest targeted public health interventions are necessary to address these variations effectively.