title: 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 log-linear chain models. The results show that a number of factors that do not have direct associations with unfavourable birth outcomes contribute to these outcomes indirectly through 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 sociodemographic or reproductive factors and birth outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Social Statistics, University of Southampton, Southampton S017 1BJ.
authors.forename: Monica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Magadi
authors.forename: Ian
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Diamond
authors.forename: Nyovani
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Madise
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007630:Kenya; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires