Infant and childhood mortality in Bangladesh : - levels and differentials

Abstract

In this study an attempt is made to investigate the levels and differentials of infant and childhood mortality rates in Bangladesh using the Brass method. Data employed in this study were those collected by the Bangladesh Fertility Survey, 1975. Infant mortality rates estimated in this study were found to vary within the range of 152 to 158 per 1000 live births in a year during the period 1969-1973. The childhood mortality rates during the corresponding years were found to vary around 19 per 1000 children. (The findings indicate a worsening mortality situation in Bangladesh in recent years, that is, during 1969-1973). Infant and childhood mortality rates were found to vary by sex, socio-economic status and residential background of the respondents. Female children had better chances of survival than male children in both urban and rural areas. This finding is a departure from the earlier findings obtained in Bangladesh, particularly in the 1960's. Infant and childhood mortality rates were found to be lower among parents characterized by higher education and income than those of the parents having lower education and income. These rates were also found to be lower among husbands engaged in white collar occupations than those who are in agricultural and other occupation groups. Infant and childhood mortality rates were found to be generally lower in urban areas than in rural areas.