Factors Contributing to Inequity of Mortality Among Infant in Urban and Rural areas of Egypt

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the factor contributing to inequity of mortality among infant in urban and rural areas of Egypt. Methods, secondary statistical analysis performed for the Egypt Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) 2005 data. The total sample consisted of 13601, where 4949 (36.4%) of them were from urban while 8652 (63.6%) were from rural. The study investigated the variations in mortality rate according to demographic and socioeconomic characteristics which contribute to infant mortality such as maternal age at birth, maternal education, gender of infant and birth order. Results; the results revealed that infant mortality rate was slightly less than double in rural areas compared to urban areas, mothers' education and wealth index affected infant mortality in urban and rural areas of Egypt. Conclusions: This study indicates that there is a significantly increased mortality rate among infants whose illiterate mothers and born in poor households. Recommendations: It was recommended that alleviation of poverty and female literacy will substantially contribute to decrease in infant mortality, Improve environmental and living condition in rural areas as well as mother’s awareness about health and hygiene.