Influence of Socio-Economic Factors on Infant and Maternal Mortality Rate in Yobe State

Abstract

The high rate of infant and maternal mortality rate in the world has become very worrisome as every birth produced become a potential incidence of death. Nigeria is second with highest maternal and infant mortality rates in the world and this necessitates greater attention given to maternal and child health service in the country (WHO, 2020). This study aimed to investigate the influence of socio-economic factors on infant and maternal mortality rate in Yobe State, Nigeria. The population of the study were 465 patients. To calculate the sample size of the study, Krejcie & Morgan (1970) sample size table was utilized. Based on the sample table, 214 were used as sample for the study. Stratified sampling technique was used in getting the respondents from various hospital/maternity wards. Descriptive and inferential statistics were adopted in data analysis. The findings revealed that there was a significant relationship between spouse economic status and infant and maternal mortality (r= .463, p < 0.01) in the study area. Also, the result indicates that spouse cultural background is significantly and positively correlated with infant and maternal mortality (r= .723, p < 0.01). It is recommended that; the government at all levels should improve maternal healthcare and eradicate poverty in order to ensure sustainable development of lives of the people; awareness campaign should also be adopted by various levels and stakeholders on the negative impact of lack of antenatal care by most families and wives, as most of the death were as a result of negligence or hardship condition.