[Levels, trends, and prospects concerning infant and child mortality in West Sumatra]

"This article investigates the levels, trends and differentials in infant and child mortality in West Sumatra [Indonesia]. The results of this study, based on the 1971, 1980 Population Censuses and the 1985 Intercensal Population Survey confirm a trend toward lower infant and child mortality in West Sumatra over the last two decades. The estimates also show that there are considerable urban-rural differentials in childhood mortality. In general, babies born in urban areas have a lower mortality rate than those born in rural areas. The study also shows that education, age at first marriage, occupation, and literacy level of the mother have significant effect on the child mortality differentials." (SUMMARY IN ENG)