scholarly journals Determinants of Under-Five Child Mortality in Arab Countries. Are the Effects Homogeneous Across Birth Order and Among Countries?

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (23) ◽  
pp. 34-49
Author(s):  
Chellai Fatih

Abstract Under-five-child mortality remains a major challenge for governments in the Arab world to achieve Sustainable Development Goals. Thus, further studies are needed to analyze the determinants of child mortality. The Multiple Indicators Cluster Surveys (MICS) datasets of six Arab countries (Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Mauritania, Sudan, and Tunisia) have been used, which are consisting of 249.000 children nested within 54.644 mothers. The study was designed in a women-parity-covered one to six birth order. Binary multivariable logistic models were used to estimate the risk ratios of death by adjusting for child sex, birth outcome (twin vs. singleton), mother’s education level, maternal age, previous birth interval, place of residence (rural vs. urban), and the family wealth index. The findings revealed that the under-five child mortality rates were 87, 70,66,35,36, and 21 per 1000 live births in Sudan, Mauritania, Egypt, Iraq, Algeria, and Tunisia, respectively). First-born infants in these six countries have a higher risk of mortality during their five years of life. Second, third-and fourth-born infants were at a decreased risk of death compared to first-born infants in all countries; in contrast, fifth-and-sixth-born infants were at an increased risk in all countries except Sudan and Mauritania. Twin children have a higher risk of death than singletons in all countries and across all birth orders. Children of mothers with higher educational levels living in urban areas are at lower risk of death than their peers across all birth orders. Regarding policy implications, decision-makers can target three main axes: first, enhancing women’s educational levels; second, increasing birth intervals (birth spacing policies); and third, improving living standards and healthcare strategies, especially in rural areas to improve child and mother health.

2008 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. MAZHARUL ISLAM ◽  
KAZI MD ABUL KALAM AZAD

SummaryThis paper analyses the levels and trends of childhood mortality in urban Bangladesh, and examines whether children’s survival chances are poorer among the urban migrants and urban poor. It also examines the determinants of child survival in urban Bangladesh. Data come from the 1999–2000 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey. The results indicate that, although the indices of infant and child mortality are consistently better in urban areas, the urban–rural differentials in childhood mortality have diminished in recent years. The study identifies two distinct child morality regimes in urban Bangladesh: one for urban natives and one for rural–urban migrants. Under-five mortality is higher among children born to urban migrants compared with children born to life-long urban natives (102 and 62 per 1000 live births, respectively). The migrant–native mortality differentials more-or-less correspond with the differences in socioeconomic status. Like childhood mortality rates, rural–urban migrants seem to be moderately disadvantaged by economic status compared with their urban native counterparts. Within the urban areas, the child survival status is even worse among the migrant poor than among the average urban poor, especially recent migrants. This poor–non-poor differential in childhood mortality is higher in urban areas than in rural areas. The study findings indicate that rapid growth of the urban population in recent years due to rural-to-urban migration, coupled with higher risk of mortality among migrant’s children, may be considered as one of the major explanations for slower decline in under-five mortality in urban Bangladesh, thus diminishing urban–rural differentials in childhood mortality in Bangladesh. The study demonstrates that housing conditions and access to safe drinking water and hygienic toilet facilities are the most critical determinants of child survival in urban areas, even after controlling for migration status. The findings of the study may have important policy implications for urban planning, highlighting the need to target migrant groups and the urban poor within urban areas in the provision of health care services.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Abdul-Karim Iddrisu ◽  
Kassim Tawiah ◽  
Francis Kwame Bukari ◽  
Williams Kumi

Background. Child mortality is a global health problem. The United Nations’ 2018 report on levels and trends on child mortality indicated that under-five mortality is one of the major public health problems in Ghana with a rate of 60 deaths per 1000 live births. To further mitigate this problem, it is important to identify the drivers of under-five mortality in order to achieve the United Nations SDG Goal 3 target 2. Methods. In this study, we investigated the effects of some selected risk factors on child mortality using data from the 2014 Ghana Demographic Health Survey. We modelled the relationship between child mortality and the risk factors using a logistic regression model under the frequentist and Bayesian frameworks. We used the Metropolis-Hastings Algorithm to simulate parameter estimates from the posterior distributions, and statistical analyses were carried out using STATA version 14.1. Results. Results from the frequentist framework are in line with those from the Bayesian framework. The results showed an increased risk of death among children who were delivered through caesarean and reduced relative odds of death among children whose sizes are average or large at birth and whose mothers have formal education. Conclusions. There is a need for improved health facilities for better health-care for mothers and children. Education should, among other things, emphasise on the need for mothers to go for regular check-ups during antinatal and postnatal periods for improved mother and child health.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafi Amir-ud-Din ◽  
Lubna Naz ◽  
Anila Rubi ◽  
Muhammad Usman ◽  
Umesh Ghimire

Abstract Background High-risk fertility behaviors (HRFBs) are common in African and South Asian countries and can potentially affect child survival. This study examines the high-risk fertility behaviors concerning child mortality across the countries. Method Data from a series of Demographic and Health Surveys from the year 1987 to 2016 from 24 South Asian and African countries (N=1,224,832) were included in this study. Four HRFB parameters - women’s age <18 or >=34 years at childbirth, birth spacing <24 months, and child order of birth >3, were categorized into three exposure levels: i) exposure to any HRFBs category (exposure to any of four parameters); ii) exposure to single and multiple HRFB category (a combination of two or more parameters); and iii) the specific type of HRFB category (either single or multiple HRFB categories). Bivariate descriptive analysis and a multivariate logistic regression model were used to examine the association between under-five child mortality and various measures of HRFBs. Results Our pooled data analysis reported that HRFBs was associated with an increased risk of under-five child mortality in Asian and African countries. Children of women exposed to HRFBs were at increased risk of under-five mortality by 77% (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 1.771, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.722 - 1.821). Children born within 24 months’ birth interval were four times more likely to die (AOR = 4.995, 95% CI: 4.842-5.152) than their counterparts. However, a single high-risk category was not associated with under-five mortality, and birth order was found to be a protective factor against under-five mortality. Age of women (<18 or >=34 years) was found to be a risk factor of Under-five child mortality in 16 countries. The association between under-five mortality risk and birth interval of less than 24 months was highly significant in all countries. Conclusion Women’s age at childbirth, birth interval, and birth order were significantly associated with under-five mortality. Quality care for women and newborns need to be ensured through investment in the healthcare system, and by promoting health services with more focus given to the valuable populations through sexual and reproductive health education programs and empowering women.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juwel Rana ◽  
Md Nuruzzaman Khan ◽  
Rakibul M Islam ◽  
Razia Aliani ◽  
Youssef Oulhote

Abstract Background: Household air pollution (HAP) from solid fuel use (SFU) for cooking has been considered a public health threat, particularly for women and children in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), with limited evidence. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of HAP on neonatal, infant, and under-five child mortality in Myanmar. Methods: This cross-sectional study employed data from the Myanmar Demographic and Health Survey (MDHS), the first nationally representative survey conducted in 2016. Data were collected from MDHS based on stratified two-stage cluster sampling design applied in urban and rural areas. The sample consists of 3249 under-five children in the household with a 98% response rate. Exposure measures were HAP (coal and biomass) and level of exposure to HAP (no exposure, moderate and high exposure). The main outcomes were neonatal, infant, and under-five child mortality reported by mothers presented in rates and risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals, accounting for survey weight and cluster variation. Results: The prevalence of SFU was 79.0%. The neonatal, infant and under-five child mortality rates were 26, 45, and 49 per 1,000 live births, respectively. The risks of infant (aRR 2.02; 95% CI: 1.01-4.05) and under-five mortality (aRR 2.16; 95% CI: 1.07-4.36) mortality were higher among children from households with SFU compared to children from households using clean fuel. When applying an augmented measure of exposure to HAP by incorporating SFU and the kitchen's location, the likelihoods of infant and under-five mortality were even higher among moderate and highly exposed children than unexposed children with similar trends. Neonatal mortality was not associated with either HAP exposure or levels of exposure to HAP.Conclusion: Infants and under-five children are at higher risk of mortality from exposure to HAP. Increasing access to cookstoves and clean fuels is imperative to reduce the risk of infant and under-five child mortality in LMICs, including Myanmar.


2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 468-480 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abraham Geremew ◽  
Bezatu Mengistie ◽  
Esayas Alemayehu ◽  
Daniele Susan Lantagne ◽  
Jonathan Mellor ◽  
...  

Abstract Point-of-use water chlorination is one of the most effective means to prevent diarrhea in under-five children although challenges remain in its adoption and effective use. In Ethiopia, evidence of point-of-use water chlorination among households with under-five children in rural and urban settings that is verified with water testing is scarce. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among urban and rural households with under-five child in Kersa Health and Demographic Surveillance Site, Eastern Ethiopia from June to August, 2016. Data were collected from a caregiver of systematically selected households and analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. A total of 1,912 households were included in the analysis with a 96.5% response rate. In rural areas, 4.6% of caregivers were reportedly chlorinating water at point-of-use and 1.2% were confirmed with free residual chlorine. In urban areas, 17.1% of caregivers were reportedly chlorinating water and 6.6% were confirmed to have free residual chlorine. In two settings, caregivers' point-of-use water chlorination was associated with chlorine taste and water quality perception. Inaccessibility to treatment products in rural areas and use of bottled water in urban areas were among the reasons to discontinue point-of-use water chlorination. Behavior changing interventions with proper distribution and marketing is needed for sustainable point-of-use chlorination.


Author(s):  
Lutfiye Özdemir ◽  
Orhan Polat

This study was conducted to determine the effect of training in the prevention of migration as an obstacle for sustainable rural development. In this context, the causes of migration from rural areas to the cities were investigated and evaluated the educational status of people living in the villages. For this purpose, research has been implemented in rural part of Turkey’s Central Anatolia, Mediterranean and Black regions. Research data were collected by applying a questionnaire to the region inhabitants. A total of 123 questionnaires were evaluated. On statistical analysis, Cronbach's alpha value was found to be .833. Consequently, accessed findings are: 1) People living in region have low educational levels. 2) None of the participants had received any training related to agriculture in high school. 3) The proportion of participants receiving vocational training in related to agriculture, except for state schools is low. 4) Lack of education is one of the important reasons of the migration from rural to urban areas. 5) If enough agricultural education is given to region habitants, natural resources to ensure the survival of future generations are protected.


Author(s):  
Aisling McGrath ◽  
Niamh Murphy ◽  
Noel Richardson

Summary COVID-19 disproportionately affects males especially those who are older and more socio-economically disadvantaged. This study assessed wellbeing outcomes among men’s shed members (Shedders) in Ireland at baseline (T1), 3 (T2), 6 (T3) and 12 months (T4) in response to a 10-week health promotion program ‘Sheds for Life’ (SFL). Two cohorts participated in SFL commencing in March and September 2019. This study compares the T3 findings from one cohort carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic [COVID cohort (n = 185)] with T3 findings from a comparator cohort [pre-COVID cohort (n = 195)], completed pre-COVID-19. Questionnaires assessing wellbeing [life satisfaction, mental health, loneliness, physical activity (PA), self-rated health and other lifestyle measures] were analyzed in both cohorts T1, T2 and T3. Self-rated Health and life satisfaction decreased in the COVID cohort at T3 (p &lt; 0.001), while loneliness scores increased (p &lt; 0.0005). Higher loneliness scores were correlated with lower health ratings, life satisfaction and PA during COVID-19 (p &lt; 0.001). Days PA decreased in the COVID cluster at T3 from T2 (p &lt; 0.01) with those in urban areas reporting lower activity levels than rural areas (p &lt; 0.05). Those sufficiently active at baseline managed to maintain PA during COVID-19 while those not meeting guidelines were more likely to report decreases (p &lt; 0.001). Shedders experiencing COVID-19 restrictions are at an increased risk of poorer wellbeing and increased levels of loneliness. Support and guidance are needed to safely encourage this cohort back into men’s sheds, settings that protect against loneliness and positively promote health and wellbeing. Lay summary The COVID-19 pandemic will have wide-reaching implications on wellbeing, particularly on those who are older and more vulnerable. Evidence also suggests that COVID-19 disproportionately affects males. This study aimed to understand the impact that COVID-19 has had on men in the setting of Men’s Sheds in Ireland. Two cohorts of men who were participating in a 10-week health and wellbeing program (Sheds for Life) at different stages were followed over time. At 6 months follow-up the first Cohort had not experienced COVID-19 whereas the second cohort was actively experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic. We measured wellbeing using questionnaires, comparing both groups of men for differences. We found that the men who were experiencing COVID-19 had lower self-rated health, physical activity and life satisfaction as well as higher rates of loneliness, with those who were more lonely reporting lower wellbeing scores. We also found that men in rural areas were more physically active during COVID-19 and that those were not active were more likely to become more inactive during COVID-19. This study suggests that support and guidance is needed to safely encourage this cohort back into Men’s Sheds, settings that protect against loneliness and positively promote health and wellbeing.


2012 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 212-244 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irma Clots-Figueras

This paper shows that the gender of politicians affects the educational levels of individuals who grow up in the districts where these politicians are elected. A unique dataset collected on politicians in India is matched with individual data by cohort and district of residence. The political data allow the identification of close elections between women and men, which yield quasi-experimental election outcomes used to estimate the causal effect of the gender of politicians. Increasing female political representation increases the probability that an individual will attain primary education in urban areas, but not in rural areas, and not in the sample as a whole. (JEL D72, I20, J16, 015, 017)


Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. 874-874
Author(s):  
Fausto R Loberiza ◽  
Anthony J Cannon ◽  
Dennis D Weisenburger ◽  
Julie M. Vose ◽  
Matt J. Moehr ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives: We evaluated the association of the primary area of residence (urban vs. rural) and treatment (trt) provider (university-based vs. community-based) with overall survival in patients with lymphoma, and determined if there are patient subgroups that could benefit from better coordination of care. Methods: We performed a population-based study in 2,330 patients with centrally confirmed lymphoma from Nebraska and surrounding states reported to the Nebraska Lymphoma Study Group between 1982 and 2006. Patient residential ZIP codes at the time to trt were used to determine rural/urban designation, household income and distance to trt center; while trt providers were categorized into university-based or community based. Multivariate analyses were used to group patients into risk levels based on 8 factors found to be associated with survival at the time of trt (age, performance score, Ann Arbor stage, presence of B symptoms, LDH levels, tumor bulk, nodal and extranodal involvement). The following categories were identified: low-risk (1–3 factors), intermediate risk (4–5 factors), and high-risk (≥6 factors). Cox proportional regression analyses, stratified by type of lymphoma (low-grade NHL, high-grade NHL and Hodgkin) were used to evaluate the association between place of residence and trt provider with overall survival. Results: Among urban residents, 321 (14%) were treated by university-based providers (UUB) and 816 (35%) were treated by community-based providers (UCB). Among rural residents, 332 (14%) were treated by university-based providers (RUB) and 861 (37%) were treated by community-based providers (RCB). Patients from rural areas were more likely to be older and Caucasian, with a lower median household income, greater travel distance to seek trt, and more likely to have high-risk disease when compared to patients from urban areas. In multivariate analysis, using all patients regardless of risk level, the relative risk of death (RR) among UUB, UCB and RUB was not statistically different. However, RCB had a higher risk of death RR 1.37, 95% CI 1.14–1.65, p=0.01; RR 1.18, 95% CI 1.04–1.33, p<0.01; and RR 1.26, 95% CI 1.06–1.49, p=0.01 when compared with UUB, UCB and RUB, respectively. This association remained true in both low- and intermediate-risk patients. Among high-risk patients, both RUB and RCB were at higher risk of death when compared with UUB or UCB, while UCB were not different from UUB. We found no differences in progression-free survival according to place of residence and trt provider. The use of stem cell transplantation was significantly higher in patients coming from urban and rural areas treated by university-based providers (UUB 19%, RUB 16%) compared to urban and rural patients treated by community-based providers (UCB 11%, RCB 10%, p < 0.01). Patients from rural areas (RUB and RCB) were slightly less likely to die from lymphoma-related causes than patients from urban areas (75% versus 80%, p=0.04). Conclusion: Overall survival in patients with lymphoma is inferior in patients coming from rural areas. This relationship varies according to treatment provider and pretreatment risk levels. Further studies in patients from rural areas are needed to understand how coordination of care is carried to design appropriate interventions that may improve the disparity noted.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Prosper J. Bashaka ◽  
Hendry R. Sawe ◽  
Victor Mwafongo ◽  
Juma A. Mfinanga ◽  
Michael S. Runyon ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Childhood undernutrition causes significant morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In Tanzania, the in-hospital prevalence of undernutrition in children under five years of age is approximated to be 30% with a case fatality rate of 8.8%. In Tanzania, the burden of undernourished children under five years of age presenting to emergency departments (EDs) and their outcomes are unknown. This study describes the clinical profiles and outcomes of this population presenting to the emergency department of Muhimbili National Hospital (ED-MNH), a large, urban hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Methods This was a prospective descriptive study of children aged 1–59 months presenting to the ED-MNH over eight weeks in July and August 2016. Enrolment occurred through consecutive sampling. Children less than minus one standard deviation below World Health Organization mean values for Weight for Height/Length, Height for Age, or Weight for Age were recruited. Structured questionnaires were used to document primary outcomes of patient demographics and clinical presentations, and secondary outcomes of 24-h and 30-day mortality. Data was summarised using descriptive statistics and relative risks (RR). Results A total of 449 children were screened, of whom 34.1% (n = 153) met criteria for undernutrition and 95.4% (n = 146) of those children were enrolled. The majority of these children, 56.2% (n = 82), were male and the median age was 19 months (IQR 10–31 months). They presented most frequently with fever 24.7% (n = 36) and cough 24.0% (n = 35). Only 6.7% (n = 9) were diagnosed with acute undernutrition by ED-MNH physicians. Mortality at 24 h and 30 days were 2.9% (n = 4) and 12.3% (n = 18) respectively. A decreased level of consciousness with Glasgow Coma Scale below fifteen on arrival to the ED and tachycardia from initial vital signs were found to be associated with a statistically significant increased risk of death in undernourished children, with mortality rates of 16.1% (n = 23), and 24.6% (n = 35), respectively. Conclusions In an urban ED of a tertiary referral hospital in Tanzania, undernutrition remains under-recognized and is associated with a high rate of in-hospital mortality.


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