This study assessed the pattern of breastfeeding practices among mothers; and determined the relationship between women’s socio-demographic characteristics and their breastfeeding practices in Northern Nigeria; examined the relationship between women’s socio-demographic characteristics and infant mortality and ascertained the relationship between breastfeeding practices and infant mortality.
The study employed both primary and secondary sources of data collection. Forty in-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted in four randomly selected states. Plateau and Kaduna states were selected from North Central and North West respectively. Ten IDIs were carried out in each of these four states. Five IDIs were conducted in randomly selected rural and urban areas of each of these four states. Content analysis was employed to analyse responses from IDIs. The secondary data for the study were obtained from the Nigeria Demographic Health Surveys (NDHS 2008). The Survey elicited information from 33,385 women of reproductive age between 15 and 49 years, as well as information from 28,647 children whose ages were below five years. The 2008 NDHS data on women of reproductive age between 15 and 49 years in Northern Nigeria who have had at least a child in the past five years preceding the survey were extracted for 12,210. The 2008 NDHS Data on children of age below five years old in the North of Nigeria were extracted for 19,552. The secondary data were analysed using frequency distribution, chi-square test, binary logistic and cox regression statistics.
The results on the pattern of breastfeeding practices among mothers showed that complementary breastfeeding was more practiced among mothers who were dwelling in the urban areas than mothers that were residing in the rural areas; while exclusive breastfeeding was predominant among mothers dwelling in the rural areas than mothers residing in urban areas particularly among mothers that were not gainfully employed. The cox regression survival analysis results showed that infant mortality was significant with exclusive breastfeeding (hazard ratio=0.0829, p<0.05) and duration of breastfeeding (hazard ratio=0.8178, p<0.05).
The study concluded that the promotion of exclusive breastfeeding improved infant nutritional intake which enhanced infant health and thus reduced infant mortality to the lowest possible rate in Nigeria.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
1.2 Statement of the Research Problem
1.3 Research Questions
1.4 Objectives of the Study
1.5 Justification for Study
CHAPTER TWO LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Meaning and Categorisation of Breastfeeding
2.2 Factors Influencing Breastfeeding Practices among Mothers
2.3 Prevalence of Breastfeeding Practices among Mothers in Nigeria
2.4 Early Breastfeeding Practices among Mothers
2.5.0 The Influence of Socio-Demographic and Economic Factors on Infant Mortality
2.5.1 Educational Attainment versus Economic Status and Infant Mortality
2.5.2 Birth order, Mother’s age at first birth and Infant Mortality
2.5.3 Place of Residence and Infant Mortality
2.6.0 Breastfeeding Practices of Mothers and Infant Mortality
2.6.1 The Influence of Early and Exclusive breastfeeding on Infant’s Health and Mortality
2.7 Environmental Risk Factor and Infant Mortality
2.8.0 Policy Response
2.8.1 National Policy on Infant and Young Child Feeding in Nigeria
2.8.2 The National Policy on Infant and Young Child Feeding in Nigeria (2004 Review)
2.8.3 The Nigeria Child’s Protective Policy
2.9.0 Theoretical Framework
2.9.1 Conceptual Framework
2.10 Study Hypotheses
CHAPTER THREE METHODOLOGY
3.1 Study Area
3.2 Study Design
3.2.1 Secondary Data Source
3.2.2 Qualitative Data Collection and Analysis
3.3 Research Variables
3.4 Data Analysis
3.5 Data Limitations
3.6 Ethical Issues
CHAPTER FOUR DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF RESULT
4.1 UNIVARIATE ANALYSIS
4.1.1 Distribution of Respondents by Demographic and Socio-Economic Characteristics
4.1.2 Distribution of Respondents by Breastfeeding Practices
4.1.3 Distribution of Respondents by Environmental Risk Factors
4.1.4 Distribution of Respondents by Healthcare Service Utilization
4.1.5 Distribution of Infants by Infanthood Diseases, Treatment and Infant Mortality
4.2 BIVARIATE ANALYSIS
4.2.1 Relationship between Selected Socio-Demographic Characteristics, Breastfeeding Practices, Environmental Risk Factors, Health Care Service Utilization, Infanthood Diseases and Age at Infant Death
4.2.2 Relationship between Selected Socio-Demographic Characteristics and Age at Infant Death
4.2.3 Relationship between Selected Socio-Demographic Characteristics, Breastfeeding Practices by Mothers
4.2.4 Relationship between Selected Socio-Demographic Characteristics and Infanthood Disease (Cough)
4.2.5 Relationship between Selected Socio-Demographic Characteristics and Infanthood Disease (Fever)
4.2.6 Relationship between Selected Socio-Demographic Characteristics and Infanthood Disease (Upper Respiratory Diseases)
4.2.7 Relationship between Selected Socio-Demographic Characteristics and Infanthood Disease (Diarrhea)
4.2.8 Relationship between Selected Socio-Demographic Characteristics and Environmental Risk Factor (Smoke Emission from Cooking Fuel)
4.2.9 Relationship between Selected Socio-Demographic Characteristics and Environmental Risk Factor (Source of Water)
4.2.10 Relationship between Selected Socio-Demographic Characteristics and Environmental Risk Factor (Toilet Facility)
4.2.11 Relationship between Selected Socio-Demographic Characteristics and Health Care Service Utilization in Government Hospital (Place of Antenatal Care)
4.2.12 Relationship between Selected Socio-Demographic Characteristics and Health Care Service Utilization in Private Hospital/Clinic (Place of Antenatal Care)
4.2.13 Relationship between Selected Socio-Demographic Characteristics and Health Care Service Utilization at Home (Place of Antenatal Care)
4.2.14 Relationship between Breastfeeding Practices and Infant Mortality
4.2.15 Relationship between Breastfeeding Practices by Mother and Age at Infant Death
4.2.16 Relationship between Mothers’ Breastfeeding Practices and Occurrence of Infanthood Diseases (Upper Respiratory Diseases)
4.2.17 Relationship between Mothers’ Breastfeeding Practices and Occurrence of Infanthood Disease (Cough)
4.2.18 Relationship between Mothers’ Breastfeeding Practices and Occurrence of Infanthood Diseases (Fever)
4.2.19 Relationship between Mothers’ Breastfeeding Practices and Occurrence of Infanthood Disease (Diarrhea)
4.2.20 Relationship between Environmental Risk Factors and Infanthood Diseases
4.2.21 Relationship between Environmental Risk Factors and Occurrence of Fever in Infants
4.2.22 Relationship between Environmental Risk Factors and Occurrence of Cough in Infants
4.2.23 Relationship between Environmental Risk factors and Occurrence of Upper Respiratory Disease
4.2.24 Relationship between Environmental Risk Factors and Occurrence of Diarrhea
4.2.25 Relationship between Environmental Risk Factors and Age at Infant Death
4.2.26 Relationship between Health Care Services Utilization and Age at Infant Death
4.2.27 Relationship between Health Care Services Utilization and Fever in Infants
4.2.28 Relationship between Health Care Services Utilization and Cough in Infants
4.2.29 Relationship between Health Care Services Utilization and Upper Respiratory Diseases in Infants
4.2.30 Relationship between Health Care Services Utilization and Diarrhea in Infants
4.2.31 Relationship between Health Care Services Utilization and Age at Infant Death
4.3 MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS
4.3.1 Binary Logistic Regression of Occurrence of Infanthood Death and Treatment of Diarrhea among Children, Controlling for Independent and Intervening Variables
4.3.2 Cox Regression Analysis of Infant Mortality Showing the Interactions between Independent and Intervening Variable Effects on Infanthood Survival
4.4 Discussion
CHAPTER FIVE SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
5.1 Summary
5.2 Conclusion
5.3 Recommendations
5.4 Limitation of the Study
5.5 Area for Further Research
Research Objectives and Themes
This study aims to investigate the complex relationships between socio-demographic factors, breastfeeding practices, and infant mortality in Northern Nigeria. The primary research question centers on how these maternal and environmental variables influence infant survival and morbidity, with the goal of providing evidence-based recommendations to reduce infant mortality rates through enhanced breastfeeding practices and improved health policy interventions.
- Socio-demographic determinants of infant health and mortality
- Breastfeeding patterns and their impact on infant nutrition and survival
- Role of environmental risk factors in infanthood diseases
- Efficacy of healthcare service utilization in improving infant outcomes
Excerpt from the Book
1.1 Background to the Study
Infant mortality is defined as the death of a child less than a year of age (Andrew, Brouillette and Brouillette, 2008; World Health Organization [WHO], 2000). Also, it is defined as the death of baby before he or she attains age one (National Centre for Health Statistics, 2011). Infant mortality rate, a measure of child’s survival is one of the indicators (other indicators include per capita income, level of infrastructural facilities, current account and finance) used in the measurement of economic development globally. Infant mortality rate is a stronger indicator compared to other indicators. Findings from several studies have shown that the survival of newly born children depends largely on the socio-economic status of their parents, care available to them as well as the condition social environment, such as their physical surroundings, cultural settings and social relationship (Twum-Baah, 1994; Manda, 1999; Madise, 2003; Mutunga, 2004; Kwabena, 2011; Kamal, 2012).
Infant mortality reflects both the actual state of the general medical and public health conditions in different countries of the world (WHO, 2007). According to a report on environmental hazard by WHO in 2007, the high prevalence rate of infant mortality in virtually all the developing countries of the world has led to negative effects on the pace of socio-economic development. The majority of approximately 4 million new born babies that die annually occur in the developing countries of the world (United Nations Children’s Fund [UNICEF], 2012). Recent study shows that substantial progress has been made towards achieving the “Millennium Development Goal 4”; about 14,000 fewer children died every day in 2011 than in 1990 (UNICEF, 2012).
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION: Provides the definition of infant mortality and outlines the context of its impact on socio-economic development globally and specifically in Northern Nigeria.
CHAPTER TWO LITERATURE REVIEW: Examines existing theories and empirical studies regarding breastfeeding categorization, factors influencing maternal practices, and the link between socio-demographic variables and infant survival.
CHAPTER THREE METHODOLOGY: Details the study area, the use of the 2008 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey data, and the application of in-depth interviews as qualitative research tools.
CHAPTER FOUR DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF RESULT: Presents univariate, bivariate, and multivariate statistical analyses to evaluate the associations between maternal demographics, environmental risks, and child health outcomes.
CHAPTER FIVE SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: Concludes the research by validating the findings, summarizing the key determinants of infant mortality, and suggesting policy improvements for maternal and child health.
Keywords
Infant Mortality, Breastfeeding Practices, Northern Nigeria, Socio-Demographic Factors, Exclusive Breastfeeding, Child Survival, Environmental Risk Factors, Healthcare Utilization, Public Health, Malnutrition, Maternal Education, Demographic Health Survey, Infanthood Diseases, Millennium Development Goal 4, Policy Response.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary scope of this research?
This study investigates the interrelationships between socio-demographic factors, maternal breastfeeding practices, and infant mortality in Northern Nigeria to understand how these factors affect child survival.
What are the central themes discussed in the work?
The core themes include maternal socio-economic status, the impact of exclusive vs. complementary breastfeeding, environmental influences like water quality and smoke exposure, and the effectiveness of immunization and prenatal care.
What is the primary research goal?
The primary goal is to determine how socio-demographic characteristics and specific breastfeeding practices correlate with infant health and to identify strategies for reducing infant mortality rates in the region.
Which scientific methodology is employed?
The research uses a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of 2008 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) data with qualitative content analysis of in-depth interviews conducted across four states in Northern Nigeria.
What does the main body of the work address?
The main body systematically analyzes survey data to identify significant associations between factors like mother's education, wealth index, and place of residence with infant mortality, while also evaluating health system utilization.
Which keywords define the core of this work?
Key terms include Infant Mortality, Breastfeeding Practices, Northern Nigeria, Socio-Demographic Factors, Child Survival, and Healthcare Utilization.
How does maternal education influence breastfeeding?
The study finds that maternal education is a significant determinant; higher levels of education often correlate with better understanding of health practices, though the influence of cultural and environmental factors remains profound.
What is the conclusion regarding environmental risk factors?
The study concludes that exposure to unsafe water, lack of toilet facilities, and indoor smoke from biomass fuel are major drivers of infant morbidity and mortality, particularly in rural and low-income households in Northern Nigeria.
- Quote paper
- Taofik Olatunji Bankole (Author), 2017, Sociodemographic Factors, Breastfeeding Practices and Infant Mortality in Northern Nigeria, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/375483
