The 'under-5 mortality rate' (U5MR) is considered a more sensitive indicator of child health than infant mortality rate (IMR) because:
- A U5MR is easier to calculate than IMR
- B It captures deaths from all preventable causes from birth to 5 years, reflecting quality of nutrition, immunisation, sanitation, and healthcare access comprehensively ✓
- C U5MR excludes neonatal deaths which confound IMR
- D IMR only measures deaths from infectious diseases
Correct answer: B. It captures deaths from all preventable causes from birth to 5 years, reflecting quality of nutrition, immunisation, sanitation, and healthcare access comprehensively
Explanation
U5MR is preferred by UNICEF and WHO as a comprehensive child health indicator because it captures not only neonatal and post-neonatal infant deaths but also deaths in ages 1–4 years — a period sensitive to malnutrition, immunisation status, sanitation, household environment, and healthcare access. IMR (< 1 year) is heavily weighted by neonatal deaths which reflect birth care quality. U5MR is a broader social indicator. NFHS-5 India U5MR is 41.9/1000, while IMR is 35.2/1000 live births.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.