New trends in under-five mortality determinants and their effects on child survival in Nigeria: A review of childhood mortality data from 1990-2008

Abstract

Under-five mortality in Nigeria has been reported to be on the decline, but the dynamics are yet to receive adequate attention. Thus the main objective of this study was to assess these factors and quantify their relative contributions to under-five mortality between 1990. The Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey data for 1990, 2003

Intra-demographic birth risk assessment scheme and infant mortality in Nigeria

“…Studies have revealed lower utilization of health facilities among pregnant women as an important determinant of infant mortality [14–16]. An infant mortality differential also exists according to place of residence, child’s sex, mother’s level of education and household wealth [17]. Others include number of antenatal visits, presence of a birth attendant, birth size and exclusive breastfeeding [17,18].…”

“…An infant mortality differential also exists according to place of residence, child’s sex, mother’s level of education and household wealth [17]. Others include number of antenatal visits, presence of a birth attendant, birth size and exclusive breastfeeding [17,18]. Findings from scientific studies have also established a strong relationship between infant mortality and specific demographic factors like maternal age at childbirth, birth order and preceding birth interval [18].…”

“…Findings from scientific studies have also established a strong relationship between infant mortality and specific demographic factors like maternal age at childbirth, birth order and preceding birth interval [18]. Typically, the early childhood probability of dying is higher for children born to too young or too old mothers, children born after a short birth interval and children born to women who have had more than three births [17,19–21]. This is obviously because a very young mother is likely to experience poor pregnancy outcome because of her physical and physiological immaturity.…”

“…A synergetic effect may also exist between short birth spacing, birth order and young maternal age [17]. This study integrates these three important demographic determinants of infant mortality as a single entity to reveal the impact of the joint effect rather than the individual effects on infant mortality.…”

“…Though several scientific investigations have improved understanding of the causes of childhood mortality in Nigeria [14,15,17], a new approach as incorporated in the current study is clearly necessary. The method discussed here classifies maternal demographic childbirth risks into low or medium or high.…”