Understanding correlates of infant mortality in Ethiopia using 2019 Ethiopian mini demographic and health survey data

Abstract

Background: Infant mortality is one of the most sensitive and commonly used indicators of the social and economic development of a nation. Ethiopia is among the African countries with high infant mortality rates. This study aimed to understand and identify correlates of infant mortality in Ethiopia. Methods: The data, used in this study, were drawn from 2019 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey data. The multivariable Cox proportional hazard analysis was done to identify the correlates of infant mortality. Results: Infant mortality rate was high in the earlier age of months. Males, higher birth order and rural residences were at higher risk of dying before first birthday compared with respective reference groups whereas health facility deliveries, single births, rich wealth indices and older maternal age were at lower risk of dying before first birthday compared with respective reference groups. Conclusion: The study found that age of mother, place of residence, wealth index, birth order, type of birth, child sex and place of delivery were statistically significant in affecting the survival of the infants. Thus, health facility deliveries should be encouraged and multiple birth infants should be given special care. Furthermore, younger mothers should better care of their babies to improve the survival of infants in Ethiopia.