Infant Mortality Dynamics in Moscow during the COVID-19 Pandemic

COVID-19 pandemic substantially affected all aspects of public health and healthcare system as well as all age groups of population. Infant mortality is one of the most important indicators characterizing the general state of health and quality of life of the population. The article represents in-depth analysis of cases, structure and causes of infant mortality according to Rosstat data for 2000–2022. We also evaluated influence of COVID-19 on formation of the capital’s indicator in those years that is why 2019 was considered as the “basic” when analyzing mortality indicators. The study purpose is to determine a degree of impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the formation of infant mortality rates in Moscow. Authors use statistical analysis of official Rosstat data on infant mortality in Moscow and Russian Federation as a whole conducted. Data analyzed using decomposition by periods of infant mortality, sex, classes and certain death causes. During 2019–2022, infant mortality rate in Moscow has continuously reducing including the first year of COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022 infant mortality rate in Moscow, estimated 3.5 per 1000 live births that is lower than Russia’s average by 21%, although before 2019 reduction rates in Russian Federation were higher by 13.7 percentage points. It is necessary to note the capital’s infant mortality rate in 2022 compared to 2021 reduced by 2.8% and in Russia by 3.3%. According to Rosstat data, reduction of infant mortality in 2022 was mainly due to boys’ indicator: in Moscow, overall reduction estimated 7.1%, in Russia as a whole– 5.9%. The capital’s indicator for girls reduced in 2022 by 1.7%, in Russia as a whole– by 0.8%. In contrast to the increase in mortality rates in other age groups, during the pandemic years, infant mortality rate in Moscow continuously reduced and in 2022 estimated 3.5 per 1000 live births, which is 21% lower than the national average. Infant mortality reduction in Moscow was mainly due to boys. Discovered growth of early neonatal mortality from neonatal diabetes mellitus, from other congenital abnormalities of the nervous system and circulatory system, as well as growing share of deaths of infants with normal body weight are of serious concern and require special measures. The COVID-19 pandemic has not had any significant impact on infant mortality in Moscow.

infant mortality, neonatal mortality, early neonatal mortality, Moscow