A Study On The Factors Associated With Infant Mortality Rates In China

Objective According to Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) from maternal and child mortality surveillance sites from 1996 to 2002 and the data of related indexes, try to analyze and discuss the related factors of IMR in China and their ralationships on a multi-discipline bases, and to provide evidence for government policy making.Methods Firstly, common information from original variables were abstracted by factor analysis, and 1 or 2 factors abstracted in each of six domains for further analysis covering informations of background, socioeconomical factors, infrastructures, education, health resources and family planning of 116 surveillance sites. Secondly, factors associated with the IMR were analyzed by using path analysis and Panel Data model, and influential patterns of IMR in different regions including developed and lessdeveloped areas and urban and rural areas were analyzed and discussed.Results Six path diagrams about related factors of IMR in different regions have been made, corresponding path coefficient estimated.Conclusions Socioeconomical factors, infrastructures, education, health resources, population policy and cultural factors have a synthetical impact on IMR, but the influential patterns are different from regions. And the relationship among the factors is quite complicated. Based on the research findings, suggestions and policy options are put forwarded as follows: (1) Enhance the resident income in both urban and rural areas especially in rural areas, and in poorly-off rural area, ensure the health investment in...