Causes of infant mortality in China: 1988-1990

Abstract

Using the data for infant mortality in China in 1988-1990fromthe World Health Organization, this paper offers a preliminary examination of causes of infant mortality in China during the period from 1988to 1990. The major findings of the study are 1) the pattern of Chinese infant mortality is generally consistent with that of most developing countries; 2) diseases of the respiratory system, perinatal mortality and accidents as well as injuries consist of the 3 major categories which all together account for about 80 to 90 percent of overall infant mortality rates; 3) rural infants still die at a higher rate than urban infants; and 4) no significant gender discrepancy exists between male and female infant deaths the different causes. The study shows although Chinese infant mortality rates have declined dramatically during the last few decades, the infant mortality patterns still resemble those in less developed nations. Hence, there is room for improvement in sanitary conditions and public health measures, for economic development and higher living standards, and for advance in medical technology .