Differentials and Determinants of Infant and Child Mortality in Rural India

The present study examines the trend and differentials in infant and child mortality among three mortality groups of states, which are grouped as low, medium and high mortality groups according to their level of under five mortality rates. The results indicate that the low mortality group of states are better placed in terms of housing conditions, fertility and the level of utilisation of maternal and child care services compared to high and medium mortality group of states. Though infant and child mortality rates have declined substantially in all mortality groups in the 15 years period prior to survey (1978-92), the levels observed for the period 1988 to 1992 indicate that both infant and child mortality rates were significantly high among the high mortality group compared to medium and low mortality groups. Neonatal mortality rates constitute more than 60 percent of infant deaths in all mortality groups. The significant association of various demographic, socio-economic and maternal care variables with infant and child mortality suggest the need for area specific health care delivery system for rural areas. The persistence of high infant and child mortality rates observed among the high mortality group of states deserves special attention.