Assessing the Determinants of Infant Mortality in Rural Eswatini - The Case of Zombodze Emuva, Shiselweni Region

Shabangu K, Joseph MC and Mamba SF

Published on: 2022-09-26

Abstract

Infant mortality has a central focus of health researchers, policy makers, and practitioners and is addressed by Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3. Although its general causes in developing countries are well documented, specific determinants of infant mortality in Zombodze Emuva are unknown. This paper sought to identify socio-economic, environmental and maternal factors and ascertain their likelihood as determinants of infant mortality in Eswatini. The study used mixed-methods to collect quantitative data from a randomly selected sample of 76 households using questionnaires and interviews. The findings show several socio-economic, environmental and maternal factors account for the observed high infant mortality in Zombodze Emuva. These factors include the level of education in households, socio-economic status of households, place of delivery, the visit to health facility by expecting mothers, accessibility of health facilities, baby feeding methods, access to water and sanitation, waste disposal methods and sources of energy. Above all, inadequate knowledge on maternal issues predisposes rural households and expecting mothers to these determinants of infant mortality. It is recommended that women be empowered on maternal issues by improving health education. It is also recommended that health facilities and livelihood opportunities be provided in rural areas.