Under-5 Mortality and Its Associated Factors in Northern Nigeria: Evidence from 22,455 Singleton Live Births (2013–2018)

Osita K. Ezeh, Felix A. Ogbo, Anastasia O. Odumegwu, Gladys H. Oforkansi, Uchechukwu D. Abada, Piwuna C. Goson, Tanko Ishaya and Kingsley E. Agho
Additional contact information
Osita K. Ezeh: School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2750, Australia
Felix A. Ogbo: Barmera Medical Clinic (Lake Bonney Private Medical Clinic), Barmera, SA 5345, Australia
Anastasia O. Odumegwu: State Ministry of Health, Jerome Udoji Secretariat Complex, Awka 420218, Nigeria
Gladys H. Oforkansi: Department of Economics, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka 420218, Nigeria
Uchechukwu D. Abada: Department of Banking and Finance, Okija Campus, Madonna University, Okija 431121, Nigeria
Piwuna C. Goson: Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences, University of Jos, Jos 930003, Nigeria
Tanko Ishaya: Department of Computer Science, University of Jos, Jos 930003, Nigeria
Kingsley E. Agho: School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2750, Australia

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 18, 1-16

Abstract: The northern geopolitical zones (NGZs) continue to report the highest under-5 mortality rates (U5MRs) among Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. This study was designed to identify factors related to under-5 mortality (U5M) in the NGZs. The NGZ populations extracted from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey were explored to assess the factors associated with U5M using logistic regression, generalised linear latent, and mixed models. Between 2013 and 2018, the northwest geopolitical zone reported the highest U5MR (179 deaths per 1000 live births; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 163–194). The adjusted model showed that geopolitical zone, poor household, paternal occupation, perceived children’s body size at birth, caesarean delivery, and mothers and fathers’ education were highly associated with increased odds of U5M. Other significant factors that influenced U5M included children of fourth or higher birth order with shorter interval ? 2 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.68; CI: 1.42–1.90) and mothers who did not use contraceptives (aOR = 1.41, CI: 1.13–1.70). Interventions are needed and should primarily spotlight children residing in low-socioeconomic households. Educating mothers on the benefits of contraceptive use, child spacing, timely and safe caesarean delivery and adequate care for small-sized babies may also reduce U5M in Nigeria, particularly in the NGZs.

Keywords: under-5 mortality; Nigeria Northern Geopolitical Zones; children younger than 5 years; mortality rate; child mortality (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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