Demographic And Economic Determinants of Variations in Infant Mortality in Nigeria

ABSTRACT 

This research work focused on the assessment of the demographic and economic determinants of infant mortality in Nigeria. To achieve the objectives of the study, infant mortality rate (measure of child health outcome) was regressed on government health expenditure, real GDP, inflation, population growth rate and population density in Nigeria. From the results, the major explanatory variables (public expenditure on health, inflation except RGDP) alongside population growth rate and population density have a significant impact on the infant mortality rate.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title page ………………………………………………………………… i

Certification ………………………………………………………………ii

Approval page …………………………………………………………... iii

Dedication ……………………………………………………………….. iv

Acknowledge …………………………………………………………….. v

Table of Contents ……………………………………………………….. vi

Table of Contents ……………………………………………………….. vii

Abstract ………………………………………………………………….. viii

CHAPTER ONE: Introduction

1.1 Background Information ……………………………………………. 1

1.2 Statement of the Problem …………………………………………… 7

1.3 Research Questions ………………………………………………….. 10

1.4 Research Objectives …………………………………………………. 10

1.5 Hypothesis of the Study ……………………………………………… 10

1.6 Policy Relevance of the Study ……………………………………….. 10

1.7 Scope of the Study ……………………………………………………. 10

CHAPTER TWO: Literature Review

2.1 Conceptual Framework ………………………………………………. 12

2.2 Theoretical Literature ………………………………………………… 12

2.3 Empirical Literature …………………………………………………... 23

2.4 Limitations of Previous Studies ………………………………………. 30

CHAPTER THREE: Methodology

3.1 Theoretical Framework ………………………………………………. 32

3.2 Model Specification ………………………………………………….... 33

3.3 Estimation Procedure ……………………………………………….... 34

3.4 Justification of the Model …………………………………………….. 36

3.5 Statistical Criteria …………………………………………………….. 36

3.6 Source of Data and Econometrics Software ………………………… 38

CHAPTER FOUR: Presentation and Analysis of Results

4.1 Trend Properties of the Variables ………………………………….. 40

4.2 Unit Root Test ……………………………………………………….. 42

4.3 Co Integration Test ………………………………………………….. 43

4.4 Normality and Stability Tests ……………………………………….. 45

4.5 Analysis of Results …………………………………………………… 46

CHAPTER FIVE: Summary, Policy Recommendations and Conclusion

5.1 Summary ……………………………………………………………... 48

5.2 Policy Implication and Recommendation …………………………... 48

5.3 Conclusion ……………………………………………………………. 50

References …………………………………………………………………51

Appendix ………………………………………………………………….. 58