Mortality child and migration in Chiapas, México

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze, in causal terms, the relationship between infant mortality and migration in four socio-economic areas of the Soconusco region in Chiapas, Mexico. The analysis of this study was based on the results of a socio-demographic and population-based health survey that took place in Soconusco, Chiapas in 1996-97. Different socioeconomic, cultural and productive areas were contrasted. The analysis of linear and logistic regression was conducted to identify the effect of migration and infant mortality, and the effect of migration and the geographical area on the rate of infant mortality. The data show that although more than 70% of the variance in infant mortality is explained by migration, there is no evidence of a conclusive causal relationship. The relationship identified between infant mortality, migration and geographical areas guide to an alternative explanation. We hypothesize that the magnitude and characteristics of migration, as well as infant mortality rates are a result of specific conditions of economic and social vulnerability of population on these areas.