Childhood Mortality in Amara Region: A Case Study of Misrak Gojjam and Wag Hemra Zones
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Date
1999-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This study examines variations in childhood mortality between Misrak GOJjam and
Wag Hemra Zones of the Amhara Regional State. Misrak Gojjam is relatively more accessible
than Wag Hemra and by indicators such as food security, the former is much better than the
latter. The thrust of the study is to compare the two zones in terms of the correlates of
childhood mortality using the data generated by the Census of Population and Housing of
Ethiopia of 1994.
Childhood mortality is found to be relatively higher for Misrak Gojjam Zone than
Wag Hemra Zone. If we exclude information from the first and the last two age groups of
women in the reproductive age, childhood mortality had shown a declining trend in the recent
past for each zone. In spite of the fact that Misrak Gojjam is relatively more accessible,
relatively free from the problem of food insecurity and less affected by the last civil war than
Wag Hemra, child mortality is higher in theformer than in the latter.
Using Trussell and Preston (/98 I) dependent variable (the ratio of observed to
expected deaths) that can be used for statistically sound childhood mortality studies, and
controlling for twelve explanatory variable in the model. the proportion of children dead
among children ever born was 11.0 per cent higher in Wag Hemra Zone compared to Misrak
Gojjam Zone. In addition, the study revealed zonal variations in signs and strengths of the
interrelationships between childhood mortality with its covariates. The general level of the
socia-economic facto rs, and ecological settings may be the possible reasons f or such an
ohserved variations in childhood mortality between /he two zones.
It can be concluded from this study that relatil'ely drought prone ( food insecure) and
remote areas need priority attention, indeed wi/hout ignoring other areas in the Amara
region Finally, further studies concerning childhood mortality are highly recommended.
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Childhood Mortality