Author(s)

Noushin Siddika Fariha¹, Md. Asifur Rahman^2,*

Affiliation(s)

¹ Senior Research Assistant, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR, B), Dhaka.

² Post Graduation Student, Department of Anthropology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka.

Corresponding Author

Md. Asifur Rahman

ABSTRACT

Despite a substantial decrease in child mortality rates in Bangladesh (from 371.3 to 22.6 per 1,000 live births), significant disparities remain. This qualitative study utilizes a social autopsy approach to explore the social determinants of child death within under-five populations residing in the impoverished Dhaka slums of Hazribagh and Kamrangir Char. These areas grapple with limited healthcare access, socio-economic hardships, and inadequate living conditions. Moving beyond the established emphasis on medical and biological factors, the research employs in-depth interviews with 15 bereaved families and 5 healthcare providers. The social autopsy method delves into the complex socio-cultural dynamics surrounding child deaths by capturing the lived experiences of affected families and medical professionals. The findings show a multifaceted picture, highlighting the crucial role of structural, behavioral, and socio-cultural factors in determining a child's survival. This study broadens the scope beyond the dominant medical framework, illuminating the interplay between various social determinants and child health outcomes. Informed by these insights, the "Pathway to Survival" model is proposed. This community-based intervention integrates medical care with social and behavioral strategies. It emphasizes community education on child health and nutrition, improved access to maternal and child healthcare services, and fostering healthy behaviors within the community.

KEYWORDS

Child mortality; Social autopsy; Bangladesh; Anthropology; Public health

CITE THIS PAPER

Noushin Siddika Fariha, Md. Asifur Rahman. Child mortality in slums of Dhaka: understanding through an anthropological lens. Trends in Social Sciences and Humanities Research. 2024, 2(3): 39-47. DOI: 10.61784/tsshr2002.

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