Family Planning and Child Survival: The Role of Reproductive Factors in Infant and Child Mortality.

This report summarizes the evidence that family planning can reduce deaths of children under 5 years of age at a reasonable cost. The report also: (1) identifies the major reproductive factors associated with child mortality; (2) estimates the approximate reduction in child mortality that could be achieved through improved childbearing patterns; and (3) assesses the likely costs of preventing child death through family planning. A number of studies that analyzed the data of the World Fertility Survey, carried out in 41 countries, found 3 factors related to the risk of death in childhood. These factors are births spaced less than 2 years apart, births to mothers under 20, and first births. Possible biological causes of these three factors are examined. A number of studies have provided estimates of reductions in child mortality through alteration of childbearing patterns, such as increasing birth spacing and reducing births to women under 20 and over 34. Child mortality can be reduced through the use of contraceptives, the increased use of breastfeeding, oral rehydration therapy, distribution of vaccines for preventable diseases, and changes in family relationships through increased family planning. Costs of implementing family planning programs are estimated, and recommendations for family planning policy are offered. Ten references are cited. (BC)