Infant and childhood mortality differentials in Java and Bali

Abstract

Data based on vital registration in Indonesia are incomplete and inaccurate. Because of this mortality estimates for the last two decades have been derived indirectly from census and survey data. The estimation procedures used were mostly the Brass-type techniques. The validity of the estimates has been difficult to verify because of a lack of comparable data. In this thesis an alternative approach of estimation is used to present some data for comparison. The study has examined the levels, trends and differentials of infant and child mortality in Java and Bali. The main analysis is based on the 1976 Indonesia Fertility Survey data on pregnancy histories and applying the Birth Cohort Survival Method. In general, the results of this study conform with the previous estimates of high infant and child mortality and a trend towards lower mortality levels over the recent past. The results also reveal mortality differences according to province, urban-rural residence, mother's childhood residence, socioeconomic status, birth order, age of mother and the sex of the child. West Java stands out with the highest child mortality with Yogyakarta having relatively low mortality. Low levels of mortality were also found among children who lived in urban areas and in better housing conditions; whose mother was brought up in a city; and whose parents had secondary education, were literate and had white-collar occupations. Female children had better chances of survival than male children. Those born to mothers aged between 25 and 35 and of a low parity were also more likely to survive.