Assessing the Link between Maternal Transport Modes and Childhood Mortality in Nigeria

Abstract

ObjectivesThe study explored the association between maternal transport modes and childhood mortalities in Nigeria.MethodUtilizing data and definitions from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey report, the ten-year early mortality rates of the five childhood mortalities and the percentage of live births in the 5 years before the survey, transported by eight identified means of transportation, were statistically correlated for each of Nigeria’s 36 states and the federal capital territory (FCT) in the R environment at a significance level of α < 0.05.ResultsIn the spatial distribution of the five childhood mortalities, a notable north-south dichotomy was observed, contrasting with the spatial spread of maternal transport modes. The five childhood mortalities exhibited a significant, moderately positive correlation with transportation by Private Car or Truck, while their associations with Public Transport or Bus and Walking were notably moderate but negative.Conclusion for PracticeWhile the use of private cars or trucks should be encouraged as a means of maternal transport, public transport should be better organized to provide efficient services to women who need such services for maternal and child healthcare. Additionally, steps should be taken to reduce travel distances to health facilities to manageable distances for mothers.