Objective: To identify the trend and pattern of mortality from congenital malformations in children under 5 years old in China.
Methods: Data from 1996 to 2006 were obtained from the national child mortality surveillance network, which included 116 counties (cities) throughout China. A descriptive analysis was performed on birth defect-specific mortality (U5MR) in children under 5 years old.
Results: The national birth defect-specific U5MR decreased from 412.0 per 100,000 live births in 1996 to 342.2 per 100,000 live births in 2006. The declining trend in birth defect-specific U5MR was more obvious from 2003 to 2006. The same pattern was observed in urban areas, in coastal regions and in inner land regions of China. Rural areas had higher birth defect-specific U5MR than urban areas. Remote regions had higher birth defect-specific U5MR than coastal regions and inner land regions. The proportion of mortality due to congenital malformations in total U5MR increased from 9.2% in 1996 to 14.4% in 2006.
Conclusion: The proportion of mortality due to congenital malformations in children under 5 years old is increasing in China.