[Infant mortality in Switzerland: status and evolution of differences between cantons since 1901]

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Demography
• Sociology

Background:

• Infant mortality rates (IMR) exhibited significant variation among Swiss cantons between 1901 and 1980.
• Persistent disparities were observed, with certain cantons consistently showing higher or lower IMR than the national average.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the socio-economic and demographic factors contributing to inter-cantonal differences in infant death rates in Switzerland.
• To investigate the persistence of these disparities over an 80-year period.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of historical infant mortality data from Swiss cantons (1901-1980).
• Statistical examination of socio-economic and demographic correlates associated with observed IMR variations.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in both the levels and trends of infant death rates were identified across Swiss cantons.
• These disparities demonstrated persistence, indicating stable patterns of higher and lower infant mortality in specific cantonal groups.

Conclusions:

• Socio-economic and demographic factors play a crucial role in explaining the persistent inter-cantonal variations in infant mortality.
• Understanding these correlates is essential for targeted public health interventions to reduce infant mortality disparities.