title: Influence of maternal education on child immunization and stunting in Kenya.
abstract: In 2003, the child mortality rate in Kenya was 115/1000 children compared to 88/1000 average for Sub-Saharan African countries. This study sought to determine the effect of maternal education on immunization (n=2,169) and nutritional status (n=5,949) on child's health. Cross-sectional data, Kenya Demographic Health Survey (KDHS)-2003 were used for data analyses. 80% of children were stunted and 49% were immunized. After controlling for confounding, overall, children born to mothers with only a primary education were 2.17 times more likely to be fully immunized compared to those whose mothers lacked any formal education, P<0.001. For nutrition, unadjusted results, children born to mothers with primary education were at 94% lower odds of having stunted growth compared to mothers with no primary education, P<0.01. Policy implications for child health in Kenya should focus on increasing health knowledge among women for better child health outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Education Theory and Policy, Pennsylvania State University, 300 Rackley Building University Park, Pennsylvania, PA 16802, USA. atienoa6@gmail.com
authors.forename: B A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Abuya
authors.forename: E O
authors.initials: EO
authors.lastname: Onsomu
authors.forename: J K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Kimani
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Moore
mesh_terms: D002657:Child Development / Q000502:physiology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007223:Infant; D007630:Kenya; D008297:Male; D009035:Mothers / Q000193:education*; D009752:Nutritional Status