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

Hackney 1908

Report on the sanitary condition of the Hackney District for the year 1908

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100
During the month of September in this year I received from
the Registrars notice of 446 births. The following table shows the
time which has elapsed between the birth and the receipt of
information of such births.

Table: AGE OF INFANTS WHEN BIRTHS WERE FIRST NOTIFIED TO LOCAL AUTHORITY, SEPTEMBER, 1908.

AGE OF INFANTS WHEN BIRTHS WERE FIRST NOTIFIED TO LOCAL AUTHORITY, SEPTEMBER, 1908.

Districts.1 to 2 weeks.2 to 3 weeks.3 to 4 weeks.4 to 5 weeks.5 to 6 weeks.Over 6 weeks.Total.
North37515302383
Central——49284687
South-West5911154465149
South-East28893169127
10242848133203446

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Of this total 384 or 86 per cent. were not registered until more
than one month after birth, and 203 or 45 per cent. until more than
six weeks after birth.
In connection with the above facts, it must be remembered
that the largest number of infants die during the early months of
life, especially during the first month. This fact is borne out by the
following figures relating to infant mortality during the year 1908:—

Table: DEATHS OF INFANTS UNDER ONE YEAR DURING 1907.

DEATHS OF INFANTS UNDER ONE YEAR DURING 1907.

Ages.Under 1 month.1 to 2 months.2 to 3 months.3 to 4 months.4 to 5 months.5 to 6 months.6 to 7 months.7 to 8 months.8 to 9 months.9 to 10 months.10 to 11 months.11 to 12 months.Total.
No. of deaths2489161483323273132242524667

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Out of a total of 667 deaths under one year 248 or 37 per cent.
occurred under the age of one month, 339 or 50 per cent. under the
age of two months, and 328 or 50 per cent. between the ages of two
months and twelve months.