Socioeconomic and Demographic Determinants of Child Mortality: Recent Empirical Evidence

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to contribute significantly to the empirical literature related to the determinants of child mortality in developing countries. The study examined social, economic and demographic factors using a balanced panel dataset of 10 developing countries from Africa, Asia, and Latin America for the period of 1990 to 2021. The study employed feasible generalized least square regression technique to estimate relationships. The findings show that economic growth, mobile phone usage, female labor force participation, and international remittances inflows reduce child mortality. However, higher adolescent fertility significantly increases child mortality in the sample countries. The findings highlight the importance of economic stability, women empowerment, and mobile technology in reducing child mortality. Similarly, high fertility among young women significantly worsens the situation. The results have also societal implications. While higher female labor force participation and lower adolescent fertility reduce child mortality, they also improve overall development in the society. The findings of this paper support the assertion that gender equality, economic empowerment and adoption of technology are necessary for improving child health. The study provides policymakers with empirical evidence to improve socio-economic and demographic factors through formal and informal institutional
reforms.
Keywords: Child Mortality, Economic Growth, Mobile Phone Usage, Inflation, Female Labor Force Participation, Adolescent Fertility Rate, Population Growt