Using indirect methods to understand the impact of forced migration on long-term under-five mortality

J Biosoc Sci. 2005 Nov;37(6):741-60. doi: 10.1017/S002193200400700X.

Abstract

Despite the large numbers of displaced persons and the often-lengthy periods of displacement, little is known about the impact of forced migration on long-term under-five mortality. This paper looks at the Brass Method (and adaptations of this method) and the Preceding Birth Technique in combination with a classification of women by their migration and reproductive histories, in order to study the impact of forced migration on under-five mortality. Data came from the Demography of Forced Migration Project, a study on mortality, fertility and violence in the refugee and host populations of Arua District, Uganda and Yei River District, Sudan. Results indicate that women who did not migrate in a situation of conflict and women who repatriated before the age of 15, had children with the highest under-five mortality rates compared with women who were currently refugees and women who repatriated after the age of 15.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Catchment Area, Health
  • Coercion*
  • Emigration and Immigration / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Models, Statistical
  • Mortality / trends*
  • Population Dynamics
  • Sudan / epidemiology
  • Time Factors
  • Uganda / epidemiology