The Prevalence and Determinants of Under-Five Mortality in Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines the prevalence, and the socioeconomic and demographic determinants of under-five mortality in Benue State, Nigeria. Using a purposive random sampling technique, a total of 1,500 questionnaires were administered to women aged 15 to 49 years and who have ever given birth in 30 communities from 10 sampled local government areas in the state. In addition, focus group discussions and key informant interviews formed sources of data for this research. The analysis of data was carried out using descriptive statistics, child survival analysis, and probit regression model. The pattern of the prevalence of infant and child mortality showed that there are three major child killers in the study area: malaria (38.2%), complications at birth (29.5%), and measles (16.9%). The survival probability results show that children born to parents living in an urban area have more chances (72.6%) of survival, as against 71.4% for children born to parents living in a rural area. The probit regression analysis showed that the pregnancies ever had by the mothers has a greater marginal effect on child survival (6.7%) than the current age of mothers at birth (3.7%) and the age of mother at marriage (0.9%). Based on the findings, recommendations such as empowerment and education of mothers are suggested.