Socio-Economic Determinants of Infant and Child Mortality Rate: The Case of Humbo Woreda, Snnpr, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Childhood mortality rate is the result of many social and economic factors than simple health crisis. The main aim of this study was analyzing the effect of socio-economic characteristics of households on infant and child mortality rate in Humbo Woreda, Wolaita Zone. This is important for revising the existing health, education, and economic programs and policies to meet GTPE. Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional type of data set which consists of a sample of households taken at a given point in time. Data was collected from 202 households using semi-structured questionnaires and interview schedule. Stratified random sampling method was used as sampling technique. The data was analyzed using both descriptive and econometric (logit) regression analysis. The study involved two dependent variables namely; IMR & CMR. Results: IMR of the Humbo woreda is 50 and it has shown about 15% reduction over the past 8 years. The current CMR of the Woreda is 48 and has shown about 25% reduction over this period. Working status of mother, level of mother education, access to health facilities, place of household residence, and access to safe water are determining IMR whereas access to safe water, level of father education, household size, working status of mother, occupational status of household heads, marital status of parents, and accesses to health facilities are determining CMR in the district. Conclusion: The study concluded that socio-economic factors such as working status of mother, mother education, access to health facilities, place of household residence, and access to safe water were the major determinants of IMR whereas access to safe water, father education, household size, working status of mother, occupational status of household heads, marital status of parents, and access to health facilities were the major determinants of CMR in the district. Community-based intervention is required and should focus on child spacing, improve access to parent’s education, access to health facilities, access to safe water and poverty eradication programs, particularly in rural areas.

Keywords: IMR, CMR, Logit Model.

DOI: 10.7176/JESD/10-13-01

Publication date:July 31^st 2019