Determinants of infant mortality in rural areas: the case of the Yaleko Health Zone in the Tshopo Province, DR Congo
Main Article Content
Abstract
Infant mortality remains a public health problem in the Democratic Republic of Congo in general, and in the Yaleko area in
particular. This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out to investigate the determinants that negatively influence the
health of children under 5, using the semi-structured method based on an interview with mothers of deceased children. This
requires knowledge and mastery of the determinants of mortality in order to better orientate control strategies. The survey
revealed that mortality is significantly influenced by socio-demographic, cultural, environmental, spatio-temporal and health
factors. Mothers' level of education, household size and inter-genital space were found to be major determinants of infant
mortality. A higher level of maternal education, smaller household size and optimal inter-genital space are associated with a
reduction in infant mortality. These factors act in a connected way and reflect socio-economic and cultural conditions that
significantly influence children's health. Policies aimed at improving women's education, promoting family planning practices
and supporting the empowerment of mothers can have a substantial impact on reducing infant mortality. Our results seek to
imply the implementation of a program based on Information, Education and Communication for behavior change on the
determinants that influence infant mortality.
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