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Temporal and spatial pattern of infant mortality in Germany after unification
E Nolte1, I Koupilová, M McKee
1European Centre on Health of Societies in Transition, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Sozial- Und Praventivmedizin
|January 5, 2002
Summary
Infant mortality rates converged between East and West Germany post-unification. While the gap closed by 1997, regional variations in infant mortality, particularly postneonatal mortality, persist.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Demography
- Epidemiology
Background:
- German unification in 1990 prompted significant societal changes.
- Infant mortality patterns showed distinct differences between East and West Germany prior to convergence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate regional heterogeneity in infant mortality trends across Germany.
- To analyze the convergence of infant mortality rates post-unification.
Main Methods:
- Utilized routine data on infant, neonatal, and postneonatal mortality.
- Analyzed time trends in mortality for Germany's 16 federal states (Länder) from 1991 to 1997.
- Employed a log-linear model for statistical analysis.
Main Results:
- In 1991, infant mortality was higher in eastern German Länder compared to western ones.
- The East-West disparity in infant mortality vanished by 1997.
- Mortality declined significantly (31-52%) in most eastern Länder, driven by neonatal and postneonatal improvements.
Conclusions:
- A clear East-West demarcation in infant mortality at unification disappeared by 1997.
- Substantial regional variations in infant mortality remain, primarily influenced by postneonatal mortality rates.