View report page

106
the ordinary way, by dealing with the iiome and home influence,
especially as they relate to infants and infant life, in order to reduce
the high mortality prevalent at the present time amongst the infants
in the crowded part of our Borough.
The question may now be asked, is the reduction of the infant
mortality within the region of practical and reasonable preventive
efforts? Before replying to this question, I think it will be advisable
to examine the causes of death under 1 year of age. During 1904
there were 953 deaths of infants in Hackney under 1 year old. Of
this number 798 were due to the following chief causes :—
On a careful consideration of the above causes, it will be generally
agreed that a large number of the deaths above classified is
preventible. For instance, the diarrhoea and enteritis of infants are
closely associated with errors in feeding; the bronchitis and
pneumonia with want of knowledge to deal with minor catarrhal
affections and the infectious diseases. The deaths entered under
the head of debility are also probably closely connected with errors
in diet and with neglect; the premature births to indiscretions of
mothers during the antenatal period; the accidents, of which the
majority are cases of overlaying, with carelessness and want of
thought, and so on. From these considerations, I am of opinion
that a reduction of the infant mortality is within the reach of
practical and reasonable preventive efforts. There appears,
therefore, to be a sphere at present almost untouched and
Causes of death of infants under 1 year—1904.
Whooping cough 40
Diarrhoea and enteritis 231
Bronchitis and pneumonia 131
Tubercular disease 138
Debility 116
Meningitis 26
Convulsions 60
Accidents 27
Premature birth and congenital defects 138