The Impact of Armed Conflict on Under Five Mortality: Comparison of Syria and Romania with A Difference-in-Differences Method

Authors : Haşim Çapar

Pages : 150-161

Doi:10.26466/opusjsr.1784544

View : 106 | Download : 343

Publication Date : 2025-10-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The purpose of the study was to reveal the effect of armed conflicts on the mortality rates of children under five. This research was conducted using a quasi-experimental difference-in-differences (DID) model on a quantitative longitudinal dataset from Syria and Romania between 2000 and 2023, using Jamovi Version 2.6. According to the findings, being in Syria increased the mortality rate of children under five by 8.9 times compared to Romania. During the period of armed conflict, the mortality rate of children under five in Syria was approximately 10 points higher than in Romania. The results showed that both being in Syria and armed conflicts led to higher mortality rates among children under five. This study clearly revealed the devastating effect of armed conflict on children\\\'s fundamental right to life, aiming to provide a concrete basis for improving preparedness and response mechanisms for future humanitarian crises. The research findings not only made significant contributions to the academic literature but also provided directly applicable insights for humanitarian aid and international development policies. The study also brought a new perspective to the field by examining the impact of armed conflict on child mortality under five using data from Syria, one of the most significant conflicts in recent years. The research provided evidence not only of direct violence but also of indirect health and nutrition disruptions. This evidence provides empirical evidence that decision-makers and those who regulate the laws of war can use, enabling more accurate policy development
Keywords : Silahlı çatışma, nedensel çıkarım, beş yaş altı ölüm oranı, Romanya, Suriye

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