Full Citation

Title: Exploring the Relationship Between Maternal Occupation and Under-Five Mortality: Empirical Evidence from 26 Developing Countries

Citation Type: Journal Article

Publication Year: 2021

ISBN:

ISSN: 17439728

DOI: 10.1057/S41287-021-00458-1/TABLES/6

NSFID:

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PMID:

Abstract: While greater female participation in the job market is seen as an effective way of achieving higher economic growth, some studies reveal that maternal employment could be a risk factor for child mortality. We analyze the association between under-five mortality and maternal employment in 26 developing countries from Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East using Demographic and Health Surveys. Logistic regression results suggest that maternal employment is associated with a 24.5% higher risk of child mortality than stay-at-home mothers. Compared to stay-at-home mothers, maternal engagement in agriculture is associated with 24% higher odds of under-5 mortality, while engagement in blue-collar jobs is associated with 29% higher odds of under-5 mortality. We also find that white-collar jobs do not give any advantage over the stay-at-home mothers with respect to this risk. Interaction of maternal employment types with breastfeeding confirms the increased risk of child mortality for agriculture and blue-collar jobs.

Url: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1057/s41287-021-00458-1

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Authors: Amir-ud-Din, Rafi; Zafar, Sameen; Muzammil, Muhammad; Shabbir, Rabia; Malik, Summaira; Usman, Muhammad

Periodical (Full): European Journal of Development Research

Issue:

Volume: 34

Pages: 2373-2399

Data Collections: IPUMS Global Health - DHS

Topics: Fertility and Mortality, Gender, Labor Force and Occupational Structure, Reproductive and Sexual Health

Countries: