Child mortality in the Netherlands in the past decades: An overview of external causes and the role of public health policy
article
Among European countries, the Netherlands has the second lowest child mortality rate from external causes. We present an overview, discuss possible explanations, and suggest prevention measures. We analyzed mortality data from all deceased children aged 0-19 years for the period 1969-2011. Child mortality declined in the past decades, largely from decreases in road traffic accidents that followed government action on traffic safety. Accidental drowning also showed a downward trend. Although intentional self-harm showed a significant increase, other external causes of mortality, including assault and fatal child abuse, remained constant. Securing existing preventive measures and analyzing the circumstances of each child's death systematically through Child Death Review may guide further reduction in child mortality. © 2014 Macmillan Publishers Ltd.
TNO Identifier
488259
ISSN
01975897
Source
Journal of Public Health Policy, 35(1), pp. 43-59.
Pages
43-59
Files
To receive the publication files, please send an e-mail request to TNO Repository.