Pathways of the determinants of unfavourable birth outcomes in Kenya.

Abstract

This paper explores the pathways of the determinants of unfavourable birth outcomes, such as premature birth, the size of the baby at birth, and Caesarean section deliveries in Kenya, using graphical loglinear chain models. The results show that a number of factors which do not have direct associations with unfavourable birth outcomes contribute to these outcomes indirectly throught intermediate factors. Marital status, the desirability of a pregnancy, the use of family planning, and access to health facilities have no direct associations with poor birth outcomes, such as premature births and the small size of the baby at birth, but are linked to these outcomes through antenatal care. Antenatal care is identified as a central link between various socio- demographic or reproductive factors and birth outcomes.

Citation

Magadi, M.; Diamond, I.; Madise, N.; Smith, P. Pathways of the determinants of unfavourable birth outcomes in Kenya. (2003) Opportunities and Choices Working Paper No. 17 [SSRC Applications and Policy Working Paper A03/03], University of Southampton, Southampton, UK, 37 pp.

Pathways of the determinants of unfavourable birth outcomes in Kenya.

Published 1 January 2003