Socioeconomic inequalities in child mortality: comparisons across nine developing countries

Area of Science:

• * Global Health
• * Socioeconomic Determinants of Health
• * Child Mortality Research

Background:

• * Child mortality remains a critical global health issue, with socioeconomic factors playing a significant role.
• * Understanding consumption-based inequalities in child survival is crucial for effective public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To analyze and compare inequalities in infant and under-five child mortality by household consumption across nine diverse countries.
• * To quantify the extent of socioeconomic disparities in child mortality using established econometric methods.

Main Methods:

• * Utilized data from the Living Standards Measurement Study and the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey.
• * Employed direct and indirect estimation methods for mortality rates based on data availability.
• * Applied concentration curves and indices for intercountry comparisons of mortality distributions, including dominance checks and statistical tests.

Main Results:

• * Significant inequalities in child mortality were observed across the studied countries, with lower consumption groups experiencing higher mortality rates.
• * Concentration curves and indices demonstrated varying levels of inequality across nations, indicating distinct patterns of disadvantage.
• * Statistical tests confirmed significant intercountry differences in the magnitude of child mortality inequality.

Conclusions:

• * Household consumption is a key determinant of child survival, with significant socioeconomic-related inequalities in mortality evident globally.
• * The findings underscore the need for policies addressing poverty and improving access to healthcare and resources for disadvantaged populations.
• * Further research is warranted to explore the specific drivers of these inequalities and to inform targeted interventions for reducing child mortality.