Spatial and disaggregated patterns of infant mortality in Benin City

Abstract

The level of infant mortality correlates with the standard of living of the people and provides one of the most dependable indicators of economic growth and development of a country. In the past decades, infant mortality has decreased drastically but the rate of improvement still falls short of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) target. This paper therefore  espoused the disaggregated patterns and spatial differentials of infant mortality in Benin City neighbourhoods. Data about spatial and  disaggregated patterns were collected from female respondents aged  15-49 years based on the traditional quarters of Benin City. The use of student t-test and simple means revealed that there is no marked  variation in the geographical pattern of infant mortality in Benin City.  Simple probabilities, percentages and statistical mean showed that the risk or probability of dying is highest at the early neo-natal stage followed by post-natal stage. The lowest risk or probability of an infant dying occurred at the late neo-natal stage.Since there is no room for complacency, the suggested recommendations are met to reduce the menace of infant  mortality in the city as well as in Nigeria. These measures must include: improved sanitary condition in homes, legislation against early weaning of our babies, provision and equitable distribution of functional health facilities and others.

Keywords: Infant mortality, spatial, disaggregated patterns.