Final answer:
Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) is an important indicator of population health. Factors such as access to healthcare, poverty, and social environment influence IMR. The IMR can be used to assess the effectiveness of healthcare systems and social conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) is an important indicator of the health of a population. It measures the number of infant deaths per 1,000 live births in a region. A low IMR is typically associated with better health outcomes and higher levels of wealth in a nation. For example, high-income countries have lower IMRs compared to developing countries.
The IMR can be influenced by various factors, including access to quality healthcare, poverty levels, and the social and political environment. For instance, the United States has a higher IMR compared to countries like Finland and Japan, which can be attributed to poverty and the complex healthcare system in the US. On the other hand, countries like Cuba have lower IMRs despite having less wealth, indicating the importance of accessible healthcare for reducing infant mortality.