Childhood Mortality in Saudi Arabia: Analysis of 50 Years (1973–2022)

Background: Infant mortality rate (IMR) refers to the likelihood that a newborn will not survive to their first birthday; it is expressed per 1000 live births. Globally, the IMR represents a considerable proportion of under-five mortality. This study aimed to investigate and compare IMR trends and patterns in Saudi Arabia by decade and sex over 50 years. Methods: Data on the IMR in Saudi Arabia from 1973 to 2022 were extracted from the UNICEF database. The mean mortality rates every 10 years were calculated and then compared over decades between males and females using a chi-square test. A two-sided P-value <0.05 was deemed statistically significant. Results: The IMR was highest in 1973 (102.9 per 1000 live births; 107.3 males vs 98.1 females) and lowest in 2022 (5.4 per 1000 live births; 5.6 males vs 5.3 females). The statistical analysis results revealed a significant decline in the mean IMR from 1973 to 2022 (P < 0.01), with no difference between male and female IMR in any of the five decades. Conclusion: Saudi Arabia’s success in reaching the SDG for infant mortality reflects decades of improvements in healthcare, driven by the Vision 2030 framework. This effort has continuously decreased infant and under-five mortality rates due to improved medical services, including enhanced access to maternal and child healthcare, advanced neonatal care, and comprehensive immunization programs.