How is infant mortality defined?

Infant mortality is defined as the number of deaths of infants before reaching one year of age, expressed per 1,000 live births in a given year. This measure is critical for assessing the health status and overall well-being of a population. It reflects various factors including maternal health, accessibility and quality of healthcare, socioeconomic conditions, and public health initiatives.

The specific focus on deaths within the first year of life allows for a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by newborns and infants, enabling health policymakers to address these issues effectively. The statistic serves as a vital indicator of the effectiveness of health strategies aimed at improving neonatal and maternal care, ultimately guiding public health efforts and resource allocation.

Other definitions provided in the options, such as deaths from congenital anomalies or the number of infants admitted to the hospital, do not capture the broader context of overall infant health and survival. Similarly, while premature births are certainly a significant concern, they are a separate indicator that does not directly equate to infant mortality. Thus, the measurement focused on deaths per 1,000 live births within the first year provides the most comprehensive and relevant definition of infant mortality.