Prevalence and Trend of Under-Five Mortality in Enugu State

Abstract

This study focused on the prevalence and trend of under-five mortality in Enugu State (2012-2017). The study adopted the descriptive survey research design. The population for the study was 5241 available health records on under-five morbidity and mortality in Enugu State (2012-2017). All the available 5241 health records on under- five morbidity and mortality was used for the study. The instrument used for the research was the adapted proforma also known as the under-five mortality inventory (U5MI). The validity and reliability of the instrument were established using Pearson reliability and split half method. The research questions were answered using frequencies and percentages as well as index numbers. The Chi-square statistics was used to test the null hypotheses at .05 level of significance. The findings of the study were as follows: Under-five mortality (U5M) of 83 per 1000 live births (8.3%) was recorded in Enugu State between 2012 and 2017 which was high when compared with the Sustainable Development Goal recommendation of 25 per 1000 live births. The highest U5M was recorded in 2017 (117- 26.8%). The U5M in Enugu State showed an upward trend between 2012 and 2017 as 2017 was seen to have the highest cases. Age has a statistical significant difference in U5M ( 117.812, df = 64, P = .000 < .05). Gender has no statistical significant difference in U5M ( 37.937, Df = 32, P = .217 > .05). Place of residence of the under-fives has a statistical significant difference in U5M ( 47.779, Df = 32, P= .036 < .05). It is therefore recommended among other things that there should be substantial improvement and implementation of health policies by under-five children stakeholders to improve their health care for increased health and survival in order to be able to meet the SDG4 which is U5M of not more than 25 per 1000 live births in Enugu State before the year 2030.