Macroeconomic Conditions and Infant Mortality in Ethiopia: A Survival Analysis

Abstract: This study seeks to analyze the impact of macroeconomic condition on infant survival in Ethiopia using Demographic & Health Survey data with macro variables (GDP & inflation). It also seeks to explore the underlying other micro determinants of infant mortality applying survival analysis. The result indicates that macroeconomic condition has insignificant impact on child health in Ethiopia. Rather the micro level variables are found to be the most important determinants. Behavioral factors, maternal, environmental and socioeconomic factors play crucial role. Paternal education, access to safe drinking water, information access, and other utilities like electricity have positive impact on child survival. It has also been found that there is regional variation in mortality rate. The risk of dying is high in rural areas compared to urban areas indicating that modern health facilities are urban-biased.