Levels, Trends and Differentials in Infant Mortality In Rural Ethiopia
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Date
1997-05
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Emphasis is made on the rural part of the country in the belief that the knowledge of
infant mortality differentials will contribute to the amelioration of the welfare of the largest
proportion of the population of the country. Applying bivariate as well as multivariate
methods of data analysis the study examines infant mortality among different socio-economic, demographic and environmental categories in the study population.
The risk of infant death is shown to vary by ethnicity, religion, educational status ,
work status and marital status of mothers. Greater infant survival among Amhara ethnic
group over that of Oromo and others , Christians over Muslims , currently married over other
marriage categories and working over non-working mothers is observed. Father's education and occupation are among the most important determinants.
Regional variation is observed and lowland areas show higher infant mortality risk than
highland areas. Among environmental variables source of water is found to be the main
factor. With regard to demographic factors , the study replicates findings documented else
where except that higher order births (5 and above) did not emerge as having higher risk of
dying than intermediate order births. Preceding birth interval is the most significant determinant followed by birth order
and survival of preceding child. Short preceding birth interval (less than 2 years) is found
to be harmful to the survival of infants. However, lower risk of death is observed when the
preceding sibling is alive. The study also revealed that the effect of short birth interval
persists whether preceding child is alive or dead. Results of the study reveal that amelioration of the overall socio-economic condition
of the rural Ethiopia population is needed and particularly, improvement in the health
services availability, introduction of health education for the youth (especially female).
Introduction and/or strengthening of family planning programmes and services as well as
improvement of the educational opportunity of the population and provision of safe water will
go along way in reducing infant death in Ethiopia
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Infant Mortality In Rural Ethiopia