Inequalities in child survival by maternal education in the Northern Region of Argentina over the last century: contributions from indirect demographic techniques

Abstract

Introduction: Maternal education is a key social determinant of child health and survival, with a significant impact on reducing mortality during the first year of life. However, in Argentina, the limited quality of available vital statistics data complicates its analysis.

Objective: This study examines the situation in the Northern Region of Argentina, a region historically characterized by higher infant mortality rates.

Methodology: The research addresses this phenomenon using the indirect demographic method developed by Brass, modified for contexts with a secular downward trend in mortality, and based on data from the 2010 census. Women were classified by educational level (low, medium, and high), and infant mortality rates (IMR) were estimated alongside indicators such as Absolute Risk, Relative Risk, and Population Attributable Risk.

Results: The results reveal significant heterogeneity: while in the Northwest region (NOA), over 90% of mothers had completed secondary or higher education, in Santiago del Estero and provinces of the Northeast (NEA), the percentage of women with low educational attainment was considerably higher. This disparity translates into marked inequalities in IMR. These gaps were applied to the 2022 rates, representing the hypothetical current situation if the problem has persisted.

Conclusions: The study concludes that public policies focused on improving maternal education can effectively reduce infant mortality inequalities in the Northern Region of Argentina.