Title: The causes of rapid infant mortality decline in England and Wales, 1861-1921. Part II.

POPLINE Document Number: 229418

Author(s):

Woods RI
Watterson PA
Woodward JH

Source citation:

POPULATION STUDIES, 1989 Mar;43(1):113-32.

Abstract:

Reasons for the rapid decline in infant mortality at the beginning of the twentieth century in England and Wales are explored. "In Part I we presented a detailed demographic analysis of the pattern of infant mortality variation over time and through space, by type of environment (especially urban and rural), and by social class. In Part II we consider the approach of contemporaries to the infant mortality problem, but especially that of Sir Arthur Newsholme. It concludes by presenting an interpretation of the origins of infant mortality decline in terms of the prior decline of fertility, but also of the supporting role played by improvements in the quality of milk; the availability of more highly qualified midwives; the institution of ante-natal care and the post-natal health visitor service; as well as advances in the education of mothers in particular, and women in general." (EXCERPT)

Keywords:

England
Wales
United Kingdom
Europe, Northern
Europe
Infant Mortality
Historical Review
Fertility
Health Services
Infant Nutrition
Antenatal Care
Education
Maternal-Child Health Services
Women
Europe, Western
Developed Countries
Mortality
Population Dynamics
Demographic Factors
Population
Delivery of Health Care
Health
Nutrition
Maternal Health Services
Primary Health Care