Infant mortality of Indian muslims: determinants and implications

Muslims, throughout the world, have invariably high fertility rate and high infant mortality. In India too, where Muslim population is among the highest, it is no exception. Although many West Asian Muslim countries are prosperous, yet culturally and socio-economically, their problems remain the same. But even then, despite their resourcefulness and need, no effort was made in these countries to have an in-depth, empirical study of the increasing infant mortality.

The present study is based on two sub-sects of the Muslim community of Central India, namely Sunnis and Dudekula. This is for the first time that such a comparative study has been undertaken and major determinants of infant mortality identified. Surprisingly, determinants of infant mortality are found higher in these two sub-sects than in others of the community. This study will, therefore, serve, not only as a model for future research workers but also prove valuable in policy-formulation and administrative run-up. It will also help health personnel, anthropologists, sociologists and social workers in their pursuit.