Published online by Cambridge University Press: 31 July 2008
Using data from a 1982–83 survey, infant and early childhood mortality are investigated in a large rural region of Senegal. Because of evidence of under-reporting of early mortality an adjustment factor was applied to the data. Infant mortality was estimated to be about 113 deaths per 1000 live births. Childhood mortality was very high relative to infant mortality. Some noteworthy differentials in mortality between geographic, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups were recorded. It was estimated that diarrhoeal and respiratory diseases accounted for about one-half of reported deaths. Tetanus was an important cause of death during infancy. Measles and malaria were important causes only after the first birthday.