The contribution of the geographical area of residence on rural-urban differentials in infant mortality in Kakamega central sub-county, Kakamega county, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Infant mortality remains an indaba in Sub-Saharan Africa, a region currently producing over half of global infant deaths. Kakamega Central Sub-County, a region within Sub-Saharan Africa, has an infant mortality rate of 37. This study examined the contribution of the geographical area of residence on rural-urban differentials in infant mortality in Kakamega Central Sub-County, Kakamega County, Kenya. Methods: A cross-sectional research design was adopted. Primary data were collected from mothers between the childbearing ages of 15 to 49 years who had an experience of childbirth between 2013 and 2022. Secondary data were obtained from the 2019 Kenya population and housing census. Cross-tabulation and multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted on the statistical package of the social sciences version 25 computer software program. Results: Rural areas with mud roads had higher odds of neonatal (aOR – 2.067) and infant (aOR - 3.867) mortalities when compared to those with tarmacked roads. Areas with 3 to 4 health facilities had 8.248 and 2.651 higher adjusted odds ratios of post-neonatal and infant mortality when compared to areas with at least 5 health facilities in rural and urban areas, respectively. Residing in good housing was associated with lower odds ratios of rural neonatal (aOR – 0.016), urban post-neonatal (aOR – 0.265), and infant (aOR – 0.312) mortalities when compared to residing in durable housing. Conclusion: There is a need for concerted efforts towards road improvement in rural areas; increased access to functional and well-equipped health to ensure an acceptable density of health facilities; and enlightening people on the importance of proper hygiene in the household environments and on good, affordable, dietary practices.