Gender differentials in infant and under-five mortality in India

• Dr. Jyotishman Mukhopadhyay*

Abstract

Background: Perspective vista of child-health in India reclaim within the framework of Sustainable Development Goals to ensure healthy living and well-being for all at all ages. With significant young populace in India, health status of children becomes paramount undoubtedly. Aim: Study precisely traces gender differential in child mortality, highlighting role of pointers like IMR and U5MR in the context of parental, socio-economic, and environmental settings. Methods: Commissioning a comprehensive approach, study evaluates data from National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) alongside Demographic Health Survey (DHS), USAID spanning over 2015-2016. Results: Risk of mortality was higher among male infants and under-five children compared to female. Birth order, birth spacing, mother’s age at birth, maternal and parental education were observed valuable for child survival. Birth order higher than four with birth-spacing less than two years for mothers bearing child at 35 years of age and above were deleterious for child survival. Certain socioeconomic and environmental factors appeared significantly contributory in gender differences in child mortality. High-risk zone of Central India need critical and incisive surveillance to control child mortality due to preventable causes. Planning and implementation of health programs need to consider gender gap in child mortality for maternal and child health related policies and interventions. Conclusion: Study emphasizes attention of policymakers and public health entrepreneurs to foresee rewarding interventions targeting the cohort of children at risk.

Keywords

IMR, U5MR,Gender differential , Child mortality