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67
In considering these figures it must be borne in mind that whilst
overcrowding and insanitary environment have a direct influence
in inducing a high infant death rate, vet the high rate in the Abbey
Ward is in part due also to the economic and social conditions
obtaining in that area.
The increased incidence of diarrhoea during the year was disappointing
and indicates the need for persistent vigilance on the
part of the Maternity and Child Welfare staff in the elimination of
what is, after all, a preventable disease where adequate standards
of cleanliness and mothercraft are maintained.
Disease of the respiratory system continue to take their toll on
infant life. It will be noted that pneumonia and bronchitis together
were the cause of mere than 20 per cent. of the infant deaths in
Barking during the year. Moreover, pneumonia is probably responsible
for an even greater proportion of the deaths of children from
one to five years of age—either as a primary condition or as a complication
of measles or whooping cough.
In dealing with the causes of respiratory disease, atmospheric
pollution is a factor of primary importance, but so far as prevention
is concerned, much may be achieved by improved domestic cleanliness
and ventilation.
INFANT MORTALITY AND SEX.
An excessive male death rate again occurred during the year,
the rate being 77.8 per thousand for male, and 40.6 for female
children.
ILLEGITIMACY.
Twenty-six illegitimate children were born during the year, and
in the same period 4 deaths of illegitimate infants occurred ; the
infantile mortality rate among these children was therefore
153.8 ; while that for legitimate infants was 50.8