Determinants of infant and child mortality in Mongolia.

This study describes differences in infant and child mortality in Mongolia and examines the main possible determinants of mortality. The policy implications are discussed. Data were obtained from the 1994 Demographic Survey of Mongolia among 2030 women and 1026 men aged 15-49 years and 4685 children. Analysis was limited by the small sample size and the unavailability of data on access to health services and nutrition. Birth history data revealed 25.9% of births in the capital city, 24% in provincial capitals, and 50.1% in rural areas. The sex ratio was 100 females to 102 males. Rural mothers were less educated. Fertility was 4 children/woman in rural areas, 3.4 children/woman in provincial capitals, and 2.8 children/woman in the capital city. Over 60% of mothers were unemployed, and 76.5% of mothers were unemployed in rural areas. Rural mothers received lower salaries. About 50% had electricity in their homes. Almost 95% of the rural population lived in single rooms, portable tents made of felt. 31.3% lived in tents in the capital city. Hot and cold running water was available to 50% in the central city and to 19.1% in provincial capitals. Higher socioeconomic status was associated with lower infant and child mortality. There was a wide range in mortality levels by maternal salary. Infant and child mortality was lower in households that had consumer goods. The number of cows owned by the household was unrelated to child survival. 90% of Mongolian women were literate. The educational status of the mother had the strongest and most significant effect on the level of infant and child mortality. The level of infant and child mortality was still too high for all educational groups. Mortality was high for infants and children living in tents. Findings suggest that early-age mortality in Mongolia is not consistent with the level of social development. Access to health care and quality of health care may be key reasons for this disparity.