The Effect of Maternal Education on Infant Mortality Rates in Plateau State
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Background of the Study
Infant mortality remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, contributing substantially to the country's high under-five mortality rate. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies maternal education as a key determinant of infant survival, asserting that educated mothers are more likely to access healthcare services, practice appropriate feeding, and adopt hygienic practices, all of which significantly reduce the risk of infant mortality. This association between maternal education and infant survival is well-documented globally, yet in Nigeria, and particularly in Plateau State, the relationship remains underexplored within the local context.
Plateau State, located in Nigeria's North Central region, has a diverse population with varying levels of educational attainment, especially among women. While national and state policies aim to promote female education, cultural norms, economic barriers, and early marriages often prevent women from completing formal education, contributing to poor maternal and child health outcomes. Infant mortality in Plateau State continues to be driven by preventable causes, such as pneumonia, diarrhea, malnutrition, and inadequate healthcare access—challenges that could be mitigated through improved maternal knowledge and health-seeking behaviors.
Understanding the impact of maternal education on infant mortality rates in Plateau State is essential for designing effective public health interventions. By identifying the gaps in knowledge, health practices, and healthcare utilization associated with maternal education levels, this study seeks to provide evidence-based recommendations for reducing infant mortality and improving child health in the region.
Statement of the Problem
Despite decades of maternal and child health initiatives, Plateau State continues to experience high rates of infant mortality, with many deaths resulting from preventable conditions. The critical role that maternal education plays in reducing infant mortality is often overlooked in health policy discussions, leading to interventions that fail to address the root causes of poor health outcomes. In Plateau State, where many women have limited access to formal education, this gap becomes particularly significant.
The absence of comprehensive data on the relationship between maternal education and infant mortality in Plateau State hampers the development of targeted interventions. Without a clear understanding of how educational attainment influences health-seeking behaviors, breastfeeding practices, immunization uptake, and hygiene practices, efforts to reduce infant mortality may remain ineffective. This study aims to fill this gap by evaluating the effect of maternal education on infant mortality rates in Plateau State, providing actionable insights for policymakers and healthcare providers.
Objectives of the Study
- To assess the level of maternal education among mothers in Plateau State.
- To evaluate the relationship between maternal education and infant mortality rates.
- To identify health-seeking behaviors and practices associated with different levels of maternal education in Plateau State.
Research Questions
- What is the current level of maternal education among mothers in Plateau State?
- How does maternal education influence infant mortality rates in Plateau State?
- What are the health practices and behaviors linked to maternal education that impact infant survival?
Research Hypotheses
- Higher maternal education levels are associated with lower infant mortality rates in Plateau State.
- Maternal education significantly influences health-seeking behaviors, including immunization and antenatal care attendance.
- Mothers with lower educational attainment are more likely to adopt traditional health practices that contribute to higher infant mortality.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study focuses on mothers with infants under one year of age in Plateau State, assessing their educational background and infant health outcomes. The research will cover urban and rural healthcare facilities. Limitations include potential reporting biases in infant mortality data and the inability to capture broader socio-economic factors beyond maternal education.
Definitions of Terms
- Maternal Education: The highest level of formal education completed by a mother.
- Infant Mortality Rate (IMR): The number of deaths of infants under one year of age per 1,000 live births in a given population.
- Health-Seeking Behavior: The actions individuals take to maintain or improve their health, such as attending antenatal care or seeking medical treatment for a sick child.
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