MEASURE DHS - Journal Details

Influence of maternal education on child immunization and stunting in Kenya
Authors:	Abuya, BA; Onsomu, EO; Kimani, JK; Moore, D
Source:	Maternal and Child Health Journal, 15, 13890 (2011)
Topic(s):	Child health Immunization Nutrition
Country:	Africa Kenya
Published:	2011
Abstract:	Abstract In 2003, the child mortality rate in Kenya was 115/1000 children compared to 88/1000 average for Sub-Saharan African countries. This study sought to determine the effect of maternal education on immunization (n = 2,169) and nutritional status (n = 5,949) on child's health. Cross-sectional data, Kenya Demographic Health Survey (KDHS)-2003 were used for data analyses. 80% of children were stunted and 49% were immunized. After controlling for confounding, overall, children born to mothers with only a primary education were 2.17 times more likely to be fully immunized compared to those whose mothers lacked any formal education, P < 0.001. For nutrition, unadjusted results, children born to mothers with primary education were at 94% lower odds of having stunted growth compared to mothers with no primary education, P < 0.01. Policy implications for child health in Kenya should focus on increasing health knowledge among women for better child health outcomes.