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Child mortality in the Netherlands in the past decades: An overview of external causes and the role of public health policy

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Abstract

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.

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Correspondence to Sandra Gijzen.

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Analyzing data about children who die from external causes prepared the authors to suggest ways countries can understand and further reduce these deaths.

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Gijzen, S., Boere-Boonekamp, M., L'Hoir, M. et al. Child mortality in the Netherlands in the past decades: An overview of external causes and the role of public health policy. J Public Health Pol 35, 43–59 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1057/jphp.2013.41

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