How biological and behavioural influences on mortality in Malaysia vary during the first year of life

Abstract

Abstract This study uses retrospective data from the 1976–7 Malaysian Family Life Survey to examine the determinants of infant mortality variations in Peninsular Malaysia. It considers proximate biological correlates of mortality as well as family characteristics and behaviour, and inspects the degree to which some of these latter factors exercise their effects indirectly through more proximate factors. It assesses how these influences and interactions change in importance through successive sub-periods of the first year of an infant's life. Biological factors such as low birthweight are more important early in the first year of life, while such behavioural and environmental factors as mother's education, or types of water and sanitation system, are more important later. Breast-feeding significantly reduces mortality, especially during the first half of infancy. Unsupplemented breastfeeding is more beneficial than supplemented breast-feeding.