Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine the regional distribution and trends in infant mortality, as well as the factors that influence it, using data from the National Family Health Survey.
Materials and Methods: The study used nationally representative data from NFHS-4, and included a total of 244486 live births for statistical analysis. Infant mortality rate (IMR) as the outcome variable, and birth-related, maternal, and socio-economic characteristics were used as
explanatory factors. Binary logistic regression was used to identify significant predictors of mortality.
Results: Results indicate that IMR differed by State, with Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh having the highest trend. The notable findings in this study show that IMR in India has increased overall from 2011 (38.97 per 1000) to 2015 (44.01 per 1000). Infant mortality was associated with maternal and child health care, as a lack of mother education (AOR 1.38, CI 1.16, 1.64), lack of postnatal checkup (AOR 1.58, CI 1.44, 1.72), and low birth weight (AOR 2.68, CI 2.47, 2.91). The poor families had a higher prevalence of IMR (AOR 1.42, CI 1.26, 1.60).
Conclusion: The study shows that multiple factors can influence infant mortality. These factors differ by region, hence planning must be done from the perspective of that region in order to deal with infant mortality effectively. Public health interventions must be implemented to improve the family’s socioeconomic condition and expand mothers’ access to health care. Furthermore, enhancing postnatal care and maternal health is pivotal in India, to reduce infant mortality.