Gender Disparities and Age Trend in Child Survival in Nepal

Abstract

Purpose: Child survival rates are critical indicators of a nation’s health and development. Despite significant
efforts by the Nepalese Government, child mortality rates remain high compared to neighboring and developed
countries. This study examines gender disparities in child survival in Nepal, focusing on different age groups.
Methods: This study utilizes data from the Nepal Demographic and Health Survey 2016 to assess survival trends
and gender disparities among infants, children under two, and children under five. The analysis aims to identify
gender bias in these age groups.
Results: The study shows a sharp decline in the survival rate during the first five months for infants, stabilizing
for children under two years. However, gender disparities persist, with females consistently having lower survival
rates across different age groups. The average survival rates for males were 0.975 for infants, 0.974 for those
under 2 years, and 0.966 for those under 5 years. In comparison, the average survival rates for females were 0.967
for infants, 0.966 for those under 2 years, and 0.959 for those under 5 years.
Conclusion: Addressing these issues requires targeted interventions to ensure equitable healthcare and nutrition
for both boys and girls. Improving maternal education, healthcare infrastructure, and social attitudes towards
gender can significantly enhance child survival rates and reduce gender disparities in Nepal. Policymakers and
health stakeholders must prioritize equitable access to healthcare and implement injury prevention strategies to
improve overall child health outcomes in Nepal.