Infant Mortality Rates in China: Analysis of 2000 and 2010 Census Data
Analyzing infant mortality—the number of deaths of infants under one year old per 1,000 live births—provides critical insights into the healthcare quality and socioeconomic conditions of a region. In China, data from the 5th and 6th National Population Censuses reveal significant shifts in mortality rates and notable disparities across different administrative divisions and genders.
While raw census data provides a baseline, academic and international reviews have highlighted the need for adjustments to ensure accuracy, particularly regarding underreporting in official figures.
Key Facts
- The 2010 Census data was adjusted upward after researchers estimated a severe underreporting of approximately 78%.
- Both UNICEF and UNFPA China offices concluded that infant mortality was underreported in the 6th Census.
- Gender disparities in infant mortality shifted significantly between the 2000 and 2010 data sets.
- Regional variations remain prominent, with different rates observed across North, East, South Central, Southwestern, Northwestern, and Northeast China.
The 2010 Census: Adjustments and Findings
The data from the 6th National Population Census (2010) underwent significant revision. Professors Hong Rongqing and Zeng Xianxin of the Capital University of Economics and Business published a study in Population Research (March 2013) titled "Infant Mortality Reported in the 2010 Census: Bias and Adjustment." Their methodology aimed to correct a massive underreporting bias, estimating that the original figures missed roughly 78% of actual infant deaths.
This finding was supported by independent notes from the China offices of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
In the adjusted 2010 data, Tianjin and Shanghai recorded some of the lowest mortality rates, while Qinghai and Tibet showed higher rates. The male-to-female mortality ratio varied widely, from 0.75 in Hainan to 1.55 in Tianjin.
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The 2000 Census: Historical Context
The 5th National Population Census (2000) provides a historical benchmark. Further analysis of this data, published in the Chinese Journal of Health Statistics in April 2013, specifically examined the gender differences in infant mortality across provinces.
The 2000 data showed a stark contrast in gender outcomes in several provinces. For example, in Jiangxi, the female infant mortality rate (78.50) was significantly higher than the male rate (31.36), resulting in a male/female ratio of 0.40. This trend of higher female mortality was prevalent in many provinces during this period.
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Comparative Regional Data
The following table summarizes the adjusted infant mortality rates for selected provinces across both census periods to illustrate the changes in male and female mortality.
| Province | 2000 Male | 2000 Female | 2010 Male | 2010 Female |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing | 3.79 | 3.82 | 9.83 | 9.37 |
| Shanghai | 4.23 | 4.59 | 9.83 | 7.11 |
| Tibet | 43.67 | 42.34 | 31.07 | 30.90 |
| Jiangxi | 31.36 | 78.50 | 20.32 | 25.97 |
| Guizhou | 58.00 | 74.90 | 26.98 | 32.79 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the 2010 Census data adjusted?
The data was adjusted because researchers from the Capital University of Economics and Business, as well as UNICEF and UNFPA, found that infant mortality was severely underreported by approximately 78% in the original 6th Census figures.
Which provinces had the lowest infant mortality in 2010?
Based on the adjusted data, Tianjin and Shanghai recorded some of the lowest rates, with Tianjin showing a female mortality rate of 6.35 and Shanghai showing 7.11.
What was the gender trend in the 2000 Census?
In the 2000 Census, many provinces exhibited a significantly higher infant mortality rate for females than for males, with Jiangxi showing one of the most extreme disparities (a male/female ratio of 0.40).
Who conducted the research on the 2010 census bias?
The bias and adjustment methodology was developed by Professors Hong Rongqing and Zeng Xianxin of the Capital University of Economics and Business and published in March 2013.
How did Tibet's rates change between 2000 and 2010?
In 2000, Tibet had male and female mortality rates of 43.67 and 42.34 respectively. By 2010, these rates decreased to 31.07 for males and 30.90 for females.