Determinants of Early Childhood Mortality in Basso Liben Woreda, North West Ethiopia

Abstract

World Health Organization (WHO) report shows the risk of childhood mortality is still the highest risk of mortality in the globe. However, the case is different in Ethiopia. There has been a remarkable decline, especially, since the year 2000. This study used a household-based quantitative crosssectional study design to assess the determinants of early childhood mortality. The data were collected from a representative sample of 374 populations. The study participants were women of reproductive age (15-49) years. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was employed to determine the association between dependent and independent variables and analysis controlled for confounding factors of the respondents. The majority were rural residents (78.9%), urban residents (21.1%). The residence of the respondent, the child’s postnatal checkup, place of delivery, the age of mother, and birth interval had a significant association with early childhood mortality. The finding shows that high proportion of mothers delivered at their homes. Thus, promotion of awareness creation among women about the importance of giving birth in healthcare facilities is found to be essential to reduce childhood mortality in the study area.