Open AccessEcological context of infant mortality in high-focus states of India
Author(s) -
Laishram Ladusingh,
Ashish Kumar Gupta,
Awdhesh Yadav
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
epidemiology and health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.109
H-Index - 19
ISSN - 2092-7193
DOI - 10.4178/epih.e2016006
Subject(s) - medicine , infant mortality , ecological study , context (archaeology) , population , demography , psychological intervention , environmental health , mortality rate , socioeconomics , geography , nursing , archaeology , sociology
OBJECTIVES: This goal of this study was to shed light on the ecological context as a potential determinant of the infant mortality rate in nine high-focus states in India. METHODS: Data from the Annual Health Survey (2010-2011), the Census of India (2011), and the District Level Household and Facility Survey 3 (2007-08) were used in this study. In multiple regression analysis explanatory variable such as underdevelopment is measured by the non-working population, and income inequality, quantified as the proportion of households in the bottom wealth quintile. While, the trickle-down effect of education is measured by female literacy, and investment in health, as reflected by neonatal care facilities in primary health centres. RESULTS: A high spatial autocorrelation of district infant mortality rates was observed, and ecological factors were found to have a significant impact on district infant mortality rates. The result also revealed that non-working population and income inequality were found to have a negative effect on the district infant mortality rate. Additionally, female literacy and new-born care facilities were found to have an inverse association with the infant mortality rate. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions at the community level can reduce district infant mortality rates.