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Area variations in infant mortality 1975-7
Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health
|March 1, 1982
Summary
Infant mortality rates are influenced by area socioeconomic factors and health services. This study examines unemployment, family size, lone-parent families, and overcrowding to understand variations in infant deaths.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Socioeconomic Determinants of Health
- Pediatric Health
Background:
- Infant mortality rates (IMR) exhibit significant geographical variations.
- These variations are attributed to both socioeconomic characteristics and the quality of healthcare services (obstetric, pediatric, community health).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between specific socioeconomic indicators and infant mortality.
- To analyze residual variations in infant mortality after accounting for key social factors.
Main Methods:
- Utilized four social indicators: unemployment level, proportion of large families, proportion of lone-parent families, and level of overcrowding.
- Examined residual variation in infant mortality rates after controlling for these socioeconomic factors.
Main Results:
- Identified significant correlations between the selected social indicators and infant mortality.
- Further analysis revealed unexplained variations in infant mortality, suggesting the influence of other unmeasured factors.
Conclusions:
- Socioeconomic factors, including unemployment and family structure, play a crucial role in infant mortality.
- Additional research is needed to identify and address the remaining factors contributing to infant mortality disparities.