[A framework for the analysis of the determinants of childhood mortality]

A general framework for the analysis of the complex determinants of infant and child mortality in developing countries is presented. "This framework distinguishes five types of variables: the discriminatory, independent, intermediate, determinant and dependent variables which correspond to the different levels of analysis and explanation. A non exhaustive presentation is made of the variables involved in each group and of their main relations. Finally, the main effects of the determinants analysed in [selected] case studies concerning the developing countries...are discussed on the basis of the suggested framework of analysis." The case studies are published in Cahiers ORSTOM: Serie Sciences Humaines, Vol. 20, No. 2, 1984. (summary in ENG, SPA)