[Factors associated with neonatal, infant and child mortality. Results of a national survey in Algeria].

Background: The immediate medical causes of childhood death in developing countries are low birthweight, inadequate nutrition and serious infectious diseases. This report describes the main diseases causing infant mortality in Algeria.

Population and methods: 1% of Algerian household was investigated in December 1989 in a cross-sectional single-interview survey. Sampling was simple random stratified based on the population dispersion, with a second degree cluster for district and household. Questionnaires included 6 data on the deaths: birthdate, day of death, sex, associated factors, diagnosis of the mother, and diagnosis of the survey team.

Results: 32,945 births were registered between 1985 and 1989. There were 1,608 deaths. The main factors linked to these deaths were acute diarrhea (18.4%), acute respiratory diseases (13.8%), premature birth (11.6%). Premature birth was the main factor (31.9%) linked to mortality before the age of 1 month. Factors linked to mortality were not influenced by sex but were influenced by population dispersion. The mortality rate and the factors linked to it remained unchanged between 1985 and 1989.

Conclusions: These results will help target the national program to reduce infant mortality.