[Mortality in Spain. I. Infant mortality in Spain 1900-1976. Regional evaluation]. / La mortalidad en España, I. La mortalidad infantil en España 1900-1976. Valoración regional.

PIP: The overall incidence and evolution of infant mortality in Spain in the present century is assessed as a reflection of health and economic progress in the various regions and as a guide for future provision of health and social services for infants. Mortality on the 1st day of life is only included starting in 1932. In 1900 there were 128,395 deaths in the 1st year, of which 70,264 occurred in males and 58,131 in females. In 1976 there were a total of 11,590 deaths, of which 6735 were to males and 4855 to females. Rates declined from 213.29/1000 live births for males and 194.69/1000 live births for females in 1900 to 19.29 for males and 14.79 for females in 1976, a decline of 91% for males and 92% for females. Quinquennial rates declined continuously except in 1918, when an influenza outbreak occurred, and in 1937-41, during the Spanish civil war and immediate postwar period. The regions with the highest percentage decline in male infant mortality from 1900-76 were Aragon, Extremadura, Madrid, and Castilla-La Mancha, while Galicia had the smallest decline. Madrid, Castilla-La Mancha, and Navarra had the greatest decline for females, while Baleares and Galicia had the smallest declines. 3 factors in the greater than average declines in Aragon, Extremadura, and Castilla-La Mancha were probably their very high rates of infant mortality at the outset, their urbanization experience, and the considerable emigration from each. Galicia had a lower infant mortality rate at the outset and is still predominantly rural. The decline in fertility has not been as pronounced over the century as the decline in infant mortality.^ieng