Influence of Maternal Education on Child Immunization and Stunting in Kenya

• DOI: 10.1007/s10995-010-0670-z
• Publication Date: 2010-09-16T13:28:10Z
• Authors: B. A. Abuya; E. O. Onsomu; J. K. Kimani; D. Moore
• Keywords: Child Health; Odds; Cross-sectional study

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.