Effect of urban versus rural residence and of maternal education on infant health in South Lebanon.

ABSTRACT

A sample of 253 women from rural and urban areas of south Lebanon were visited for 18 months after delivery. Information was collected on patterns of reproduction, infant feeding, and use of the health services. The findings indicate that educated women and women living in urban areas were better off in terms of family formation patterns, immunisation, and well-baby care. The importance of educating women, particularly in rural areas, as a policy that can be varied to improve child health and growth is thus emphasised. The study also indicates, however, the special need for health education programmes directed to all mothers to emphasise proper breast-feeding patterns and the importance of preventive health care for infants. The findings also indicate the need for a more diversified system of delivering health care in which properly trained paramedical personnel take part, particularly in rural areas.