Assessing Predisposed Factors and their Influence on Infant Mortality among residents of Malontho Sanda Tenderen Chiefdom, Sierra Leone

Mohamed Sesay

Infant mortality rate (IMR) is considered an important nationally used indicator for assessing the health status of a population, and it is closely related to the community's well-being and development (Rezaei et al., 2015). This study investigates the predisposing factors of infant mortality in Malontho town, Sanda Tendaren Chiefdom, Karene district, Northern Sierra Leone. In Sierra Leone, reducing infant mortality remains a paramount goal. Infant mortality rates are estimated at 75 deaths per 1000 live births, according to the 2019 Sierra Leone Demographic and Health Survey (SLDHS). Similar patterns were observed for infant mortality in Sierra Leone, with 89 deaths per 1000 live births in 2008 and 92 deaths per 1000 live births in 2013(SLDHS, 2019). The study uses a cross-sectional quantitative research design with a sample size of 124 childbearing women. The study was conducted over a month, and snowballing was used as the sampling method. Data were collected through a standardised questionnaire and analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) for Windows, Version 22.0, and MS Excel. The data were presented as percentages and frequencies in standard tables.The results show that women who gave birth below 20 years of age suffered a significant number of infant deaths, 12(75%). Women who gave birth within the age bracket 30-34 and above 35 years suffered the least, with a minimal number of one (6%) infant deaths. At the same time, women who gave birth within the age bracket 25-29 years have zero (0%) infant deaths. Women whose birth interval is 1-2 years have a significant number of infant mortalities, 8(50%). Women whose birth interval is 3-4 years have 0(0%) infant mortality, and those whose birth interval is above 4 years have minimal infant mortality of 1(6%). Women with no formal education have the highest number of infant deaths, 13(81%). Women who did not visit a health facility in the first week of delivery have a significant number of infant deaths, 10(62%). Women who visited a health facility for PNC less than 1 month after delivery have an infant mortality of 3(19%). Women who visited a health facility for PNC within 1-3 months after delivery have a considerable number of infant deaths of 13(81).

Study of Photographic Evidence in Forensic Anthropology

Kanika .

Study of Forensic Anthropology in Photographic evidence helps to know people and reconstruct events in medico-legal terms by bridging the gap between visual documentation and the scientific analysis of human remains. Evidence of Photography preserves features that may disappear over time by capturing the space occupied and contextual relationships of skeletal remains at crime scenes. This research examines the need of photography to improve the accuracy, effectiveness, and reliability of forensic anthropological investigations.

Standardized and high-resolution imaging methods guarantee thorough recording of remains, including pathological characteristics, trauma patterns, and bone structures. While 3D imaging and photogrammetry offer three-dimensional reconstructions of remains and recovery sites, macro and microphotography allow for the close inspection of minute evidence, such as tool marks and fractures. When evaluating complicated cases, especially those containing fractured or mixed remains, these tools are quite helpful.

Photographic evidence not only helps with documentation but also makes comparison analysis easier. For instance, digital overlays help with superimposition techniques, and facial reconstruction photography helps match skeletal remains to antemortem pictures. Additionally, concealed elements that might not be apparent to the human eye, including buried remnants or subcutaneous injuries, are revealed by multispectral and infrared photography.

Photographic evidence is also useful in courtroom presentations, where objective, unambiguous visual documentation enhances the validity of forensic results. This study, also deals with the difficulties, such as possible breakdowns introduced by the use of wrong photography technique and shows how important it is to follow established procedures for the collection and maintenance of data.

New inventions like augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) image examination, technology of digital photography continues the advancement in the industry. By breaking down data processing, hiring pattern, and motivating interdisciplinary collaboration, these tool doubles the number of new opportunities for forensic practice and research.

This study emphasizes photography's dual use in forensic anthropology as a scientific tool and a legal tool. Photography helps to ensure justice and assist in the resolution of difficult medico-legal issues by accurately recording, evaluating, and presenting evidence in forensic cases. The conclusion of the study is that saving the integrity of forensic anthropological investigations demands constant improvement and development of photography techniques.

Young Scientist- Tomorrows Science Begins Today [ISSN: 2581-4737 (online)]

Assessing Predisposed Factors and their Influence on Infant Mortality among residents of Malontho Sanda Tenderen Chiefdom, Sierra Leone

Study of Photographic Evidence in Forensic Anthropology