The Influence of Maternal Education on Childhood Survival Among Married Couples of Childbearing Age in Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The main target of this paper was about childhood survival and how to continuously sustain it for socio-economic development. Thus, the study examined the extent of influence which maternal education has on childhood survival among married couples in Edo State of Nigeria. A sample size of six hundred (600) respondents was drawn by multi stage sampling method. Data were collected by social survey method comprising questionnaire and interview. The researchers were mainly interested in answers to the following research questions. (i) What are the likely causes of childhood mortality in Edo State? (ii) Can medical interventions without mother’s education be effective enough to reduce childhood mortality? And (iii) Does maternal education positively influence a child’s health and survival? Data analyses were based on percentage. Findings revealed some likely causes of childhood mortality, and considered education as the bedrock which makes other variables more effective for any course of action. Thus, maternal education positively influences a child’s health and survival because educated mothers are more knowledgeable to seek medical advice for their children. However, some recommendations were made on how to boost and sustain child survival rate.

Keywords: Childhood Survival, Maternal Education, Mortality, Nigeria.

DOI: 10.7176/JCSD/63-04

Publication date: January 31^st 2021