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Infant mortality in Uruguay: the effect of socioeconomic status on survival

Author

Listed:
  • R. Todd Jewell

    (University of North Texas, USA)

  • Jose Martinez

    (University of North Texas, USA)

  • Patricia Triunfo

    (University of the Republic, Uruguay)

Abstract

This paper analyzes infant mortality in a unique and highly-detailed data set from Uruguay. A duration model is employed to estimate the relationships between infant mortality and socioeconomic status at the individual, household, and community level. Our results indicate that the most important predictors of infant survival in the first year of life are a full gestational period, mothers educational attainment, marital status (a proxy for family wealth), and the type of hospital used for delivery. We also find that the region where the mother resides (a proxy for community wealth), whether or not the delivery was a multiple delivery, and the gender of the infant are strong predictors of infant mortality in Uruguay. In light of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, the results presented in this paper suggest that policies designed to increase womenís education and to decrease out-of-wedlock births can substantially improve infant health in less-developed countries.

Suggested Citation

  • R. Todd Jewell & Jose Martinez & Patricia Triunfo, 2014. "Infant mortality in Uruguay: the effect of socioeconomic status on survival," Journal of Developing Areas, Tennessee State University, College of Business, vol. 48(2), pages 307-328, April-Jun.
    • Handle: RePEc:jda:journl:vol.48:year:2014:issue2:pp307-328
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Infant Health; Infant Mortality; Socioeconomic Status; Uruguay; AND Duration Model;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I15 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Economic Development
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health

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