Childhood Morbidity and its Determinants: Evidence from 31 countries in sub-Saharan Africa

The global under-five mortality rate reduced from 93 per 1000 live births in 1990 to 39 per 1000 live births in 2018. Still, the rate increased in sub-Saharan Africa from 31% in 1990 to 54% in 2018. One of the main causes to these deaths is morbidity.

In this study, the factors associated with childhood morbidity in sub-Saharan Africa were examined through demographic and health surveys in 31 countries. The results showed that socioeconomic, maternal, child and environmental factors play a significant role in the challenges of childhood morbidity, and should be considered when addressing the problem.