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The effects of primary health care and socio-demographic factors on child mortality patterns in Kenya.
Authors: Joseph Misati Akuma, Ezekiel Mbitha Mwenzwa and John Nyangena
Source: International Journal of Current Research, Vol. 3, Issue, 11, pp.158-161, November, 2011
Topic(s): Childhood mortality
Country: Africa
  Kenya
Published: NOV 2011
Abstract: Abstract: Child mortality remains a major of concern in many parts of the world, with nearly 10 million children under five years dying annually. In sub-Saharan Africa, approximately 170 out of every 1,000 die compared with 10 of those born in developed nations. The fourth Millennium Development Goal targets to reduce child mortality rates by two thirds between 1990 and 2015, yet current estimates suggests that half of the developing countries have less than 20% chance of achieving the goal. In Kenya, although major improvements have been achieved with IMR reducing from 120 per 1000 births in 1963 to 74 per 1,000 lives in 2009, it is estimated that 1 in every 14 children does not survive to age - five. This paper examines the factors that influence child survival in Kenya. The data used was derived from birth histories in the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS, 2009). Cross tabulation and regression analysis was utilized to assess the relationship and effects among the dependent and independent variables respectively. Results indicate that although mother’s occupation was found to be significantly associated with child death in the low mortality region, type of toilet facilities, maternal age, source of drinking water, main floor material, religion and preceding birth intervals were found to determine child death in both regions. Free secondary education, policies geared towards increasing the length of birth intervals and improving women’s financial and occupational status will serve to reverse the trends.
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