DETERMINANTS OF MORTALITY RATE AMONG UNDER FIVE CHILDREN IN NASARAWA STATE

DETERMINANTS OF MORTALITY RATE AMONG UNDER FIVE CHILDREN IN NASARAWA STATE

Abstract: 

 The health condition of people in Nigeria particularly Nasarawa state is characterized by a high under-five mortality, high fertility rate and low life expectancy (WHO, 2004). The purpose of this study is to find out the determinants of mortality rate among under five children in Nasarawa state. The questionnaires were administered on randomly selected, stratified samples of 600 respondents which comprised parents (females) and health workers (females). 

A total of 596 (99.3%) responded to the questionnaires, all of which were retrieved and used for the analysis of the data for this study. Findings indicated that malaria, diarrhea, anemia, inadequate health facilities, socio-economic status and low educational qualification of parents were the determinants of mortality rate among under five children in Nasarawa state. On the basis of the result, it is recommended that appropriate health education programmes, particularly maternal education be provided to parents. Adequate health facilities and appropriate environmental sanitation education at community level should also be provided. In addition, mothers and children should have access to the provision of health facilities and services by the state.