Qualitative Research in Infant Deaths

The birth of a child is one of the most joyous events in any person's life. Sadly, many infants do not survive to become toddlers. The number of infant deaths per every 1,000 live births in a country is called the infant mortality rate. Researchers calculate this quantitative measure in every country, but they also conduct qualitative research on infant death -- attempting to understand what causes infants to die and how to address those problems.

Biological Factors

• Researchers study the biological factors that cause infant deaths. Infant deaths are classified into three major categories: perinatal, which is any death from the end of the second trimester until seven days after birth; neonatal, which is any death within the first 28 days of life; and postneonatal, which is any death after 28 days but before one year. Biological factors can cause infant deaths in any one of these categories. Some of the most common biological causes for infant death are pneumonia, dehydration, malnutrition, infection and congenital defects.

Nonbiological Factors

• Researchers also investigate the nonbiological factors in infant death. Nonbiological factors are factors related to human error, infanticide, neglect and unknown circumstances. These causes are less common than the biological causes. In this area, researchers study how accidents and improper care cause infant death. They also study the reasons why parents commit infanticide through neglect or abuse.

Prevention and Treatment Methods

• Researchers try to find ways to prevent infant deaths from biological factors and treat their symptoms. In the case of diarrhea, which causes infant death through dehydration, oral rehydration solutions are one method of preventing infant death. These solutions contain salts that allow an infant's tiny excretory system to retain water. Vaccines, which prevent childhood illnesses such as whooping cough and measles, are also effective at reducing infant mortality. Researchers study ways to identify infant abuse and neglect, so that those infants can be placed in safer environments.

Other Research in Infant Deaths

• Researchers deal with many other types of qualitative research regarding infant deaths. SIDS, or sudden infant death syndrome, is one very important topic. It is a condition that causes thousands of infant deaths each year. Scientists are not sure what causes SIDS or how to prevent it, because the infant shows no symptoms of illness or signs of distress before dying. Theories about the causes of SIDS include bacterial infection, cigarette smoke and the prone sleeping position -- sleeping on the stomach. Researchers also look at why women miscarry, or fail to bring a pregnancy to term.