Question

Which of the following is the least common cause of infant mortality in India?

• A. Infections
• B. Prematurity
• C. Birth injuries
• D. Congenital malformations

Hint:

Improved obstetric care has minimised this mechanical cause of infant death.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: The question asks which listed cause contributes least to infant deaths in India. Among the options, birth injuries account for the smallest share, so option c is correct.

Step 2: The leading causes of infant mortality in India are infections (such as sepsis, pneumonia and diarrhoea) and prematurity with low birth weight. These dominate both neonatal and post-neonatal deaths.

Step 3: Congenital malformations contribute a moderate share, more than birth injuries but less than infections and prematurity.

Step 4: Birth injuries (such as birth asphyxia related trauma) have declined with improved obstetric and neonatal care, making them the least common of the four. Hence options a, b and d are more frequent contributors and are not the answer.