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Maternal and Child Health Journal
Published in: Maternal and Child Health Journal 8/2011

01-11-2011

Influence of Maternal Education on Child Immunization and Stunting in Kenya

Authors: B. A. Abuya, E. O. Onsomu, J. K. Kimani, D. Moore

Published in: Maternal and Child Health Journal | Issue 8/2011

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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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Metadata
Title
Influence of Maternal Education on Child Immunization and Stunting in Kenya
Authors
B. A. Abuya
E. O. Onsomu
J. K. Kimani
D. Moore
Publication date
01-11-2011
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Maternal and Child Health Journal / Issue 8/2011
Print ISSN: 1092-7875
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6628
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-010-0670-z

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