Children in sub-Saharan Africa face alarming rates of under-5 mortality, with 74 deaths per 1,000 live births, highlighting a significant disparity compared to North America and Europe. The leading causes of death, such as diarrhea, malaria, and preterm birth, are largely preventable or treatable. To address these challenges, a team of interdisciplinary researchers at Washington University in St. Louis delved into the impact of reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health services on these mortality rates.
Through the use of artificial intelligence and statistical analysis, the team examined a decade of data from 31 sub-Saharan African countries to uncover key socioeconomic factors influencing the utilization of health services. Published in Nature Communications, the study identified three distinct groups of mothers based on their usage of health services—low, medium, and high service users. Factors such as maternal education and place of residence played a significant role in determining the utilization patterns.
Lead researcher Claire Najjuuko, under the guidance of professors Chenyang Lu and Fred M. Ssewamala, analyzed over 9,000 births resulting in under-5 mortality. The study revealed that socioeconomic status strongly correlated with the use of maternal and child health services. While low-income mothers showed high rates of breastfeeding, they faced barriers such as lack of education and urban residence. The medium-utilization group exhibited mixed patterns, including high prenatal care but lower rates of institutional delivery due to accessibility challenges.
Conversely, the high-utilization group demonstrated the highest prevalence of protective practices, such as improved sanitation facilities and access to clean drinking water. These mothers also had a high proportion of family planning and utilized a wide range of health services before, during, and after delivery. By categorizing countries based on service utilization patterns, the researchers emphasized the importance of targeting strategies towards socioeconomically disadvantaged groups to improve health outcomes.
The study highlighted the variations in service coverage across countries, influenced by socioeconomic, behavioral, and cultural factors. While some countries exhibited high rates of service utilization, others faced fragmented landscapes. The findings underscored the critical link between socioeconomic status and the use of maternal and child health services, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to address disparities.
The researchers emphasized the value of the dataset in shaping public health policies and decision-making. By leveraging data-driven insights, policymakers can tailor interventions to address specific barriers, such as transportation challenges hindering access to health facilities. The study’s comprehensive analysis provides valuable guidance for policymakers seeking to enhance maternal and child health outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa.
In conclusion, the study sheds light on the complex interplay between socioeconomic factors and health service utilization in sub-Saharan Africa. By targeting interventions towards vulnerable populations and leveraging data-driven insights, policymakers can work towards reducing under-5 mortality rates and improving maternal and child health outcomes in the region.
