| dc.description.abstract | The main objective of this study was to examine the effect of birth interval on infant
mortality in Kenya. The study population consisted of 7881 women ages (15-49) covered
in the KDHS conducted in 2003.
The study variables were; highest level of education, mothers work status, maternal age
at birth, marital status, place of residence, region of residence, preceding and succeeding
birth interval, birth order. The technique for quantitative data analysis employed was
logistic regression model. From cross tabulation results, it was established that there were
differentials in reporting of infants deaths across all characteristics of women. The results
from the logistic regression show that out of the eight independent variables entered in
this model, preceding birth interval, succeeding birth intervals, birth order, region of
residence and mothers' education, were found to have a significant effect on infant
mortality.
The major conclusion derived from the study findings was that risk of infant death were
very high among the rural women with a~t least primary education and significant regional
differences in the risk of death was apparent in the data.
The main policy implication of this study include empowerment of women through
information, education and communication (including hygiene and reproductive health
issues) which will in turn lead to women having ideal birth interval ranging between 24-
36 months, especially those in the rural areas. Therefore increasing access to information
on sexual and reproductive health should be encouraged. Though other core factors
known to influence infant mortality such as contraceptive use have not been covered in
this research the study recommends further research to establish the influence of
contraceptive use/non use on infant mortality. | en |
