Understanding needs and Ascribed Quality of life – through maternal factors – infant mortality dialectic

Abstract

In this paper Needs theory is being redefined as the foundation block of the Quality of life (Qol) structure and as a starting point in the lexicon of Qol philosophies. It is argued that the elementary and the most important characteristic to define Qol is always the needs-based approach – through its merging with the means-end dialectic. Keeping this epistemology intact, Ascribed Qol (aQol) is defined as that Qol which transfuses from mother to her child by meeting the needs of a mother and through that meeting the needs of her child. Also, the disjuncture between global and local estimations is highlighted, reflecting on its implications for policy prescriptions. Referring to Mosley–Chen's framework for child survival, empirical study has been made for eight socially and demographically backward states (EAG (Empowered Action Group) states) of India to justify the idea of aQol. The OLS technique and geographically weighted regression, using the data from the Annual Health Survey, 2010–2011, were used for conforming to the tenets of the framework. It is empirically argued that within the aQol frame mother's education has the most influencing role in securing survival of her infant vis-a-vis institutional delivery and full antenatal checkup.

Keywords:

• quality of life
• need
• EAG states
• geographically weighted regression
• infant survival