Models for infant mortality in developed and developing countries with application to A.R.E

Egypt Popul Fam Plann Rev. 1971 Dec;4(2):35-68.

Abstract

PIP: Mathematical models developed in the course of the article try to simulate the types of infant mortality in the U.A.R. and in developed areas such as the U.S.A., England, and Wales. Calculations are performed using the derived formulas. While the mathematical manipulations are rather involved and confusing, an introductory portion discusses the rationale for the use of such procedures. Use of the derived formulas attempts to produce indices of socioeconomic development of the areas and to provide predictive power for future planning. The article cites infant mortality rates for 1960-1964 in Sweden as 15.4%, in Africa as "200%," and in the U.A.R. as "117.4%." It states that infant mortality in the U.A.R. occupies an intermediate position between the developed nations and the very underdeveloped nations. It fails to explain the source of its percentages or to comment on how an infant mortality rate of 200% or 117.4% is possible. According to the mathematical results of the study, infant mortality due to environmental rather than strictly physiological conditions is the primary factor contributing to the discrepancy between infant mortality rates of the U.A.R. and the developed nations.

MeSH terms

  • Africa
  • Africa, Northern
  • Americas
  • Demography
  • Developed Countries
  • Developing Countries
  • Egypt
  • England
  • Infant Mortality*
  • Middle East
  • Mortality*
  • North America
  • Population
  • Population Dynamics
  • United Kingdom
  • United States
  • Wales