London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Battersea 1908
Report on the health of the Metropolitan Borough of Battersea for the year 1908
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112
Of the 72 deaths of infants under 1 year from Diarrhœa or
Epidemic Enteritis, 43 occurred in the third quarter of the year,
distributed as follows in the three sub-districts: East Battersea,
18; North-West Battersea, 23; South-West Battersea, 2.
The following table gives the age periods at which these 72
infants died during 1908:—
Deaths of Infants under 1 year of age from Zymotic Diarrhœa and Epidemic Enteritis.
| 1-3 months. | 3-6 months. | 6-9 months. | 9-12 months | Total. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | 34 | 15 | 10 | 72 |
A glance at the above table shows that of the total number
of infant deaths from this cause, 49 (i.e., 68 per cent.) were
between three and nine months old.
The results of the inquiries made into the surroundings and feeding of these 72 infants are set out in the following table:—
| Families Living in | Method of Feeding | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Room | 5 | Breast | 10 |
| 2 Rooms | 19 | Breast & other Food | 44 |
| 3 Rooms | 24 | Cows' Milk | 10 |
| 4 Rooms | 19 | Tinned & Patent Food | 8 |
| Over 4 Rooms | 5 | Total | 72 |
As regards the health and occupation of the mothers of these
72 infants, it was ascertained that 37 were in bad health and 26
went out to work. In 43 cases the occupation of the father was
given as that of a labourer.