Assessing Predisposed Factors and their Influence on Infant Mortality among residents of Malontho Sanda Tenderen Chiefdom, Sierra Leone

Abstract

Infant mortality rate (IMR) is considered an important nationally used indicator for assessing the health status of a population, and it is closely related to the community's well-being and development (Rezaei et al., 2015). This study investigates the predisposing factors of infant mortality in Malontho town, Sanda Tendaren Chiefdom, Karene district, Northern Sierra Leone. In Sierra Leone, reducing infant mortality remains a paramount goal. Infant mortality rates are estimated at 75 deaths per 1000 live births, according to the 2019 Sierra Leone Demographic and Health Survey (SLDHS). Similar patterns were observed for infant mortality in Sierra Leone, with 89 deaths per 1000 live births in 2008 and 92 deaths per 1000 live births in 2013(SLDHS, 2019). The study uses a cross-sectional quantitative research design with a sample size of 124 childbearing women. The study was conducted over a month, and snowballing was used as the sampling method. Data were collected through a standardised questionnaire and analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) for Windows, Version 22.0, and MS Excel. The data were presented as percentages and frequencies in standard tables.The results show that women who gave birth below 20 years of age suffered a significant number of infant deaths, 12(75%). Women who gave birth within the age bracket 30-34 and above 35 years suffered the least, with a minimal number of one (6%) infant deaths. At the same time, women who gave birth within the age bracket 25-29 years have zero (0%) infant deaths. Women whose birth interval is 1-2 years have a significant number of infant mortalities, 8(50%). Women whose birth interval is 3-4 years have 0(0%) infant mortality, and those whose birth interval is above 4 years have minimal infant mortality of 1(6%). Women with no formal education have the highest number of infant deaths, 13(81%). Women who did not visit a health facility in the first week of delivery have a significant number of infant deaths, 10(62%). Women who visited a health facility for PNC less than 1 month after delivery have an infant mortality of 3(19%). Women who visited a health facility for PNC within 1-3 months after delivery have a considerable number of infant deaths of 13(81).