The Infant Mortality Review and Surveillance (IMRS) project in Armenia sought to systematically gather detailed information on infant deaths in Armenia; to develop timely recommendations directed at improving health and social systems at various levels (health policy, delivery and education); and to reduce poor birth outcomes. Armenia, a former Soviet Republic, is experiencing issues of restructuring systems similar to many other Newly Independent States. This project, which is a combination of both an Infant Mortality Review program and a case-based epidemiological investigation system, examines issues in a way that assists the Ministry of Health in identifying emerging health problems due to the transitional state of the nation. Cases of infant deaths in Armenia that occurred in 1999 are included in the study. The data to be discussed in this session include information gathered mainly from death certificates and from a case-control study. The study findings several possible risk factors for infant mortality in Armenia, including: low birthweight, short gestational age, poor maternal weight gain and nutrition, low availability and late initiation of prenatal care, frequent stressful life events during pregnancy, low economic status, and poor compliance regarding medical advice. Several recommendations to improve measurement of infant mortality and to prevent further unnecessary infant deaths in Armenia and similar nations will be discussed. The review and surveillance process served as a tool to identify emerging issues related to infant health and allow local experts to act upon them at a time when health indicators may be considered unstable.
Learning Objectives: At the session conclusion, the participant will be able to: 1) Identify five risk factors that contribute to poor birth outcomes in Armenia. 2) Apply concepts related to review and surveillance of infant deaths within countries in transition.
Keywords: Infant Mortality, International MCH
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: American University of Armenia (AUA), Center for Health Services Research
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.