Factors influencing child mortality in Somalia
Abstract
This study focuses on determinants of child mortality in Somalia. It specifically examines the effect of household's environmental, socio-economic and biodemographic characteristics on child mortality in Somalia.The study variables analyzed included households' wealth status, type and region of residence, mother's education level, mothers' age, source of drinking water, type of toilet facility, children ever born, current marital status of the mother and sex of the child.
The study was conceptualized using the Mosley and Chen framework on child mortality. The study used data drawn from the Somali 2006 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS). The national survey was designed to provide estimates on a large number of indicators on the situation of children and women at the national level, for urban and rural areas, and for the three regions: Somaliland, Punt land and Central and southern Somalia.
Descriptive statistics and Cox regression analysis were the main methods of analysis used in this study. Cox proportional hazard regression results revealed that a household's socio-economic and environmental characteristics in addition to bio-demographic variables have significant impact on child mortality in Somalia. Lower risk of child death was experienced among children born in Somaliland as compared to those from the other regions, children born from rural households as compared to those born from urban residences and among children born in wealthier families.
In addition, overcrowding at the household was found to increase the risk of death among children. Furthermore, the risk of child death was higher among boys and among children born to mothers who were currently not in marriage unions. Policies aimed at achieving reduced child mortality in Somalia should be directed at improving the household's socio-economic and environmental status .. In addition efforts to strengthen national reconciliation and comprehensive sustainable peace should be prioritized.