Level and Determinants of Infant and Child Mortality in Malakal Town - Southern Sudan

ABSTRACT

This study aims to estimate the levels of infant and under five mortality rates in Malakal town; and to determine the socioeconomic; demographic and environmental factors contributing to infants and child mortality. The primary data for the study were collected using questionnaire and interviews in Malakal town; Sudan; while secondary data were collected from relevant literature. Three hundred eighty four women in the reproductive age (15-49) years were randomly chosen for the sample selected. The data were analyzed statistically using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Frequency distributions and statistical test based on Chi-square for independence was conducted. The results revealed that infant mortality rate was )* per 1+++ live births; while under five mortality was 1+) deaths per 1+++ live births. Also the study found that child interval; child immunization; family size; family income; and mother's education; have significant influence on infant and under- five mortality. This shows the high need for infant and child immunization in Malakal town in addition to health education campaigns for parents and community in general