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Influence of Maternal Education on Child Immunization and Stunting in Kenya

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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.

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Correspondence to B. A. Abuya.

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Abuya, B.A., Onsomu, E.O., Kimani, J.K. et al. Influence of Maternal Education on Child Immunization and Stunting in Kenya. Matern Child Health J 15, 1389–1399 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-010-0670-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-010-0670-z

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