The effects of some socio-demographic factors on infant and child deaths

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of maternal age, parity, birth interval duration of breastfeeding, education and availability of health facilities on infant and child mortality. Tanzania is still faced with a problem of high infant and child mortality despite the observed trend of mortality decline in developing countries in the twentieth century. The study was carried out in Kibaha district in coast region. Data from 612 women in child bearing period with children dead were analysed in this study. The findings were that maternal age, parity, birth interval and education of mothers have an effect on infant and child deaths. Availability of health facilities has no effect while duration of breastfeeding could not be analysed. Maternal age showed an L- shaped relationship with infant and child deaths. Parity indicated a J- shaped relationship while birth order had a U - shaped relationship. Education of the mothers indicated a declining trend as education level of the mothers increased. Villages with and those without health facilities showed no difference in death rates. Over 84 percent of the children were breastfed for a duration of 0-3 months. Very few children were full breastfed for over 3 months. Such data therefore could not be analysed. It is recommended that effort be made to establish as soon as possible the population policy and the body that will deal with population activities. Age at marriage for females be raised. Child spacing and nutrition campaigns be enhanced women be discouraged to have more than four children. Family life education preparations for students and adults be given priority in order to take off as soon as possible. Family life education teachers be trained. Vocational training courses be established both in rural and urban areas to cater for those who complete primary education and transport net work and health facilities services should be improved in the villages.