Proximate Correlates of Infant Mortality in Maharashtra: Experience of a Developed State in India

Abstract

Infant mortality is the probability of dying before the first birthday. In discussions on mortality transition, Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) is always used as a proxy for mortality conditions. IMR represents the core area that should be given special attention. Infant deaths account for about 23 % of the total deaths, while the population of infants is only about two to three % of total population.