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in rural areas, child mortality is higher there
than it is in urban areas (Kabir et al, 1986;
MoH, 2005; Hill, Dodd et a. 2006).
It is a consistent finding among the field of
health and demographic studies that low
birth weight (LBW) is a major cause of child
mortality (Institute of Medicine, 1985; Cramer,
1987; Kiely & Susser, 1992; McCormick,
1985; Wilcox & Skjaerven, 1992). Similarly,
child’s gender is determining factor for child
mortality; female children are biologically
stronger than male children, so they tend to
survive better than boys. There is a tendency
that a child born in the highest or lowest birth
order is more at risk of death (Ahmed, 1986;
Bongaarts, 1987). Another significant factor
for child survival is breastfeeding, because
breast milk has the healthiest form of nutrition
for children, and can prevent child mortality
(Butz et al, 1982; Edmond, 2006).
One of the leading factors to child mortality is
diarrhea which is caused by inadequate quality
and quantity of water and sanitation (WHO,
2011). Safe drinking and non-contaminated
water is crucial to child survival because that
prevents infectious diseases and diarrhea
among children. The number of people who
share toilet facilities, and, ways of disposing
children’s feces all matter in the fact of child
mortality.
As for health care services, women are
recommended to do at least four antenatal care
visits during their pregnancy because that can
contribute to child survival, but also on the
later outcome of child’s health (Goldenberg
et al., 1992; Friscella 1995). Interestingly,
the fact that daily iron pill intake during and
after pregnancy is crucial for avoiding anemia
which often results in low birth weight leading
to child mortality.
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
Based on the reviewed theories and studies in
the past, the following conceptual framework
has been developed for further analysis.
Figure 1:
Conceptual framework of factors affecting child mortality