Childhood mortality in Thailand : levels, trends and differentials

Abstract

This study examines levels, trends and differentials in child mortality by socio-economic and demographic characteristics in Thailand. The study is based on data from the Survey of Fertility in Thailand (SOFT/WFS) carried out by the National Statistical Office and the Institute of Population Studies, Chulalongkorn University in 1975 in collaboration with the World Fertility Survey. This was the second national sample survey carried out in Thailand. This study examined child mortality differentials by socio-economic characteristics of the mothers. It was found that both mother's and father's educational attainment are crucial factors in determining the chances of survival of their children. The second important factor affecting child mortality is the family's standard of living. The occupation of the parents also play a very important role in influencing child mortality. With regard to demographic factors, it was found that maternal age at the birth of the child and number of children ever born play significant roles in determining a child's chances of survival. The combined effect of maternal age and birth order is also identified. Concerning urban-rural differentials of child mortality, the data revealed that child mortality in urban areas for all cohorts was much lower than in rural areas. It was also found that several socio-economic variables exert a certain degree of influence on child mortality through place of residence and mother's childhood residence. Regional differentials of child mortality have been observed in this study. Children in the North and the Northeast regions experienced the highest level of mortality, followed by the South and Central regions and the Bangkok Metropolis. Nevertheless, each region has experienced declining child mortality. Socio-economic and demographic differentials in child mortality were also found in the four regions and in the Bangkok Metropolis. However, the impact of socio-economic and demographic characteristics upon child mortality varies from one region to another. This study demonstrates that using the retrospective birth history from a demographic sample survey to examine infant and child mortality is very useful. The findings from this study will be helpful for future planning and policy decisions aimed at reducing infant and child mortality. Show more