This study uses data from the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey for the period of 1993 to 2008. It investigates the impact of formal maternal education on child survival in Ghana using a probit model. Mothers’ education has a positive and significant effect on child survival. In 2003 the probability of a child surviving up to age five increased by 15.4 percentage points for one year increase in mothers’ education, using control variables and 8.9 percentage points for a year increase in mothers’ education, after including socio-economic and reproductive factors of women, which revealed the true partial effect of maternal education. It was observed that socio-economic and reproductive factors of women had an impact as well, hence policy makers should act to improve on these factors in order to complement the effect of formal maternal education to promote child survival in Ghana.

Excerpt

Chapter One
- 1.1 Introduction
Chapter Two
- 2.1 Theoretical Works
- 2.2 Key Factors That Mediate Between Mothers Education and Child Survival
Chapter Three
- 3.1 Data Source
- 3.2 Data Summary and Analysis
- 3.3 Descriptive Statistics
Chapter Four
- 4.1 Results and Discussion
Chapter Five
- 5.1 Conclusion and Recommendation

Objectives and Key Themes

This study aims to investigate the relationship between formal maternal education and child survival in Ghana. It explores this relationship by incorporating socioeconomic and reproductive factors believed to mediate the connection between maternal education and child survival outcomes. The study utilizes data from the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (1993-2008) and employs a probit model to analyze the data.

Impact of maternal education on child survival in Ghana
Mediating role of socioeconomic and reproductive factors
Analysis of child survival trends over time and across regions
Policy implications for improving child survival rates
Examination of existing literature on the topic.

Chapter Summaries

Chapter One: Introduction: This chapter introduces the study's focus on the relationship between formal maternal education and child survival in Ghana. It highlights the scarcity of similar studies in Ghana and emphasizes the importance of considering mediating factors like socioeconomic status and reproductive health. The chapter lays the groundwork by establishing the significance of child survival as a developmental indicator and referencing the Millennium Development Goal (MDG 4) aimed at reducing under-five mortality.

Chapter Two: Theoretical Works and Mediating Factors: This chapter delves into existing theoretical frameworks related to maternal education and child survival. It thoroughly examines key factors mediating the relationship, such as maternal age at marriage, birth weight, twin births, total number of children, pregnancy desires, place of residence, and access to healthcare facilities. The chapter synthesizes existing research to support the inclusion of these mediating variables in the study's analysis, emphasizing their potential influence on child survival outcomes independent of maternal education.

Chapter Three: Data and Methodology: This chapter details the data source used in the study, which is the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) from 1993 to 2008. It provides a summary and analysis of the data, including descriptive statistics and an overview of sample characteristics across different years. The chapter justifies the use of a probit model and explains the variables included in the analysis. Specific attention is paid to the presentation and interpretation of descriptive statistics related to child survival, highlighting regional variations and trends.

Chapter Four: Results and Discussion: This chapter presents the key findings of the probit model analysis, focusing on the relationship between maternal education and child survival while controlling for socioeconomic and reproductive factors. The discussion section interprets the statistical results in detail, explaining the significance of the findings and exploring potential explanations for the observed relationships. The chapter likely includes visual representations of the data, such as graphs showing regional trends or relationships between variables.

Keywords

Child Survival, Maternal Education, Ghana, Socioeconomic Factors, Reproductive Factors, Probit Model, Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS), Child Mortality, Healthcare Access.

Ghanaian Maternal Education and Child Survival: A Comprehensive FAQ

What is the main focus of this study?

This study investigates the relationship between a mother's formal education and child survival rates in Ghana. It explores how socioeconomic and reproductive factors influence this relationship.

What data was used in this study?

The study utilizes data from the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) spanning from 1993 to 2008. This data allows for analysis of trends over time and across different regions in Ghana.

What methodology was employed?

A probit model was used to analyze the data and determine the relationship between maternal education and child survival, while controlling for various socioeconomic and reproductive factors.

What are the key socioeconomic and reproductive factors considered?

The study considers factors such as maternal age at marriage, birth weight, twin births, total number of children, pregnancy desires, place of residence, and access to healthcare facilities as potential mediating variables influencing child survival.

What are the key themes explored in the study?

Key themes include the impact of maternal education on child survival, the mediating role of socioeconomic and reproductive factors, analysis of child survival trends over time and across regions, policy implications for improving child survival rates, and a review of existing literature on the topic.

What are the chapter summaries?

Chapter One (Introduction): Introduces the study's focus and the importance of considering mediating factors. Chapter Two (Theoretical Works and Mediating Factors): Explores existing theoretical frameworks and key mediating factors. Chapter Three (Data and Methodology): Details the data source, summary, analysis, and methodology (probit model). Chapter Four (Results and Discussion): Presents and interprets the results of the probit model analysis. Chapter Five (Conclusion and Recommendation): Summarizes findings and offers recommendations.

What are the key findings (in general terms)?

The study's findings focus on the relationship between maternal education and child survival in Ghana, considering the impact of socioeconomic and reproductive factors. Specific results are detailed in Chapter Four.

What are the policy implications of this study?

The study aims to provide insights that can inform policies aimed at improving child survival rates in Ghana by addressing the role of maternal education and related factors.

What are the keywords associated with this study?