Risk factors of mortality among children under age five in Awi Zone, northwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Background Globally, under-five mortality rates have dropped, but in Ethiopia, the under-five mortality rate is still high. In Amhara region, the death of children under the age of five is still a public health problem. This study assessed the risk factors of mortality among children under age five in Awi Zone. Method A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 1, 2020, up to April 30, 2021. Data entry and analysis were conducted using SPSS version 26 and Stata version 16, respectively. A zero-inflated Poisson regression model was fitted to identify the risk factors of under-five mortality. Result Out of the 1,340 mothers in the Awi zone, 11.9% of women lost at least one child. Single births (IRR = 0.598, 95% CI: 0.395, 0.906), fathers whose level of education is secondary or above(IRR = 0.223, 95% CI: 0.064, 0.782), mothers who completed their secondary and above education level(IRR = 0.116, 95% CI: 0.014, 0.971), mothers who have birth interval greater than 24 months (IRR = 0.619,95% CI: 0.417, 0.917), 8 and above family size the households (IRR = 0.543, 95% CI: 0.302, 0.976), 31 and above mother age groups (IRR = 0.296, 95% CI: 0.093, 0.943), medium households of mothers (IRR = 0.540, 95% CI: 0.316, 0.920), working mothers (IRR = 1.691, 95% CI: 1.040, 2.748) and mothers who had not antenatal visits during pregnancy (IRR = 2.060, 95% CI: 1.259, 3.371) were significant factors of under-five mortality. Conclusion Mother’s age group, preceding birth interval, family size, wealth index, duration of pregnancy, antenatal visits during pregnancy, types of birth, mother’s education level, husband’s education level, and place of delivery were significant factors of under-five mortality in Awi zone. So, Awi zone public health institute, Awi zone children’s and youth office, and other relevant bodies should work to reduce under-five mortality by focusing on child mortality issues.

Occurrence and Pathogenicity of Indigenous Entomopathogenic Fungi Isolates to Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J. E. Smith) in Western Amhara, Ethiopia

“…It has a better annual rainfall distribution (800 to 2700 mm/year) [22]. Te annual minimum and maximum temperatures range from 5 °C to 27 °C [23]. West Gojjam is located between 36 °30′ and 37 °5′ longitudes and 10 °16′ and 11 °54′ latitudes, with elevations ranging from 1500 to 3500 m.a.s.l.…”