Question

Why are infant mortality rates used as a measure of a country's overall health?

A) They reflect the quality of pediatric care.
B) They indicate the average life expectancy.
C) They demonstrate the importance of prenatal care.
D) They assess the economic status of a nation.

Answer 1

The infant mortality rate is used to measure a country's overall health, reflecting the number of infant deaths per 1,000 live births. It indicates potential issues related to healthcare access, malnutrition, infectious diseases, and living conditions. Thus, measuring infant mortality rates demonstrates the importance of various healthcare factors.

Step-by-step explanation:

The infant mortality rate is used as a measure of a country's overall health because it provides valuable information about the level of health and well-being in a nation. It reflects the number of infant deaths per 1,000 live births and is often inversely correlated with a country's wealth. A high infant mortality rate indicates potential issues such as inadequate access to quality healthcare, malnutrition, infectious diseases, and poor living conditions. Therefore, it demonstrates the importance of various factors, including pediatric care, prenatal care, and overall healthcare infrastructure.