Chaman R¹ (MD, PhD), Zolfaghari P² (MD), Sohrabi MB³ (MD), Gholami Taramsari M⁴ (MSc), Amiri M⁵ * (PhD)

  ¹ Department of Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran

  ² Deputy of Health, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran

  ³ Imam Hossein Hospital, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran

  ⁴ Deputy of Health, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran

  ⁵ Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran

  Received: 26 Dec 2013, Accepted: 7 Apr 2014

  Abstract

  Introduction: Infant mortality rate is a main community health assessment indicator. This study aimed to identify risk factors of infant mortality rate in Shahroud in the North Eastern of Iran.

  Methods: In this case-control study, 117 cases of infant deaths were identified and selected in the study. For each case, two controls were entered the study, matching on time and place of birth (234 controls). Data were gathered for all related variables and were analyzed using univariate and multivariate conditional logistic regression for estimation of crude and adjusted odds ratios.

  Results: Based on the univariate analysis, there were significant statistical associations (P<0.05) between infant mortality and low birth weight (<2500 g) (OR=15.14), prematurity (<37 weeks of gestational age) (OR=9.85), and high risk pregnancy (OR=3.13). Multivariate analysis showed significant statistical associations (P<0.05) between infant mortality and low birth weight (OR=8.04) and prematurity (OR=3.51).

  Conclusion: According to our findings, low birth weight and prematurity were the most important risk factors of infant mortality.

  Key words: infant mortality, risk factors, Iran, case-control study