Determinants of infant mortality in Malawi: A spatial perspective

This paper examines the spatial variation of infant mortality in Malawi between 1977 and 1987. Data from the 1977 and 1987 censuses are used in simple correlation and forward stepwise regression analysis to explain and/or predict the variation and change of infant mortality at district (county) level. The results indicate that, at the macro-level, the variation of infant mortality is strongly associated with a number of demographic and socioeconomic variables. Region in which a district finds itself also matters as far as levels of infant mortality are concerned. With a rapidly expanding population, the study concludes that the reduction of infant mortality throughout the country should be vigorously pursued by the government of Malawi. Fertility will continue to be high if infant and childhood mortality persist at current levels.