Differentials in infant and child mortality
Eid, I.; Casterline, J.B.
Egypt demographic responses to modernisation: 179-213
1988
Document Number: 368868
An analysis of differentials in child mortality in Egypt uncovers a number of findings which run contrary to common belief. Firstly, relationships between the education of the parents and the probability of survival of their children are relatively weak. Second, the accessibility of medical services as measured by geographical proximity of the services shows essentially no association with infant and early childhood mortality in the rural areas. The analysis also identifies powerful determinants of child survival which carry implications for public policy. Analysis of births to rural women reveals a strong effect on neo-natal mortality of the presence of a qualified midwife in the village. This supports an increase in efforts to ensure that births occur under conditions which enhance the survival changes of mother and child.