Effect of women's literacy on maternal and child health: Evidence from demographic Health Survey data in Senegal.

Abstract

Senegal has certainly made significant efforts in adult literacy and in the fight against maternal and infant mortality. However, a large proportion of the female population is illiterate, and the country's maternal and infant mortality rates are still higher than WHO recommendations. This article examined the effect of women's literacy on maternal and child health in Senegal. Data were extracted from the last Senegal Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) collected in 2019. A binary logistic model was performed to assess the effect of women's literacy on ten outcomes of maternal and child health indicators. Results indicate that women's literacy has a positive and significant effect on nine of key indicators outcomes. For instance, women's literacy increases the odds of contraceptive use by 1.29 (95% Confidence Interval [CI], 1.13-1.48; p<0.01), compliance with the number of prenatal visits by 1.57 (95% CI, 1.35-1.83; p<0.01) and consultation in the first trimester of pregnancy by 1.52 (95% CI, 1.31-1.78; p<0.01). Literacy is associated with increased odds of breastfeeding up to six months (Odds Ratio [OR], 1.17; 95% CI, 0.97-1.42; p<0.1) and healthy birth interval (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.97-1.44; p<0.1) only in rural areas. Women literacy reduces the risk of stunting by 0.81 (95% CI, 0.68-0.96; p<0.05) and the risk of underweight by 0.72 (95% CI, 0.59-0.87; p<0.01) among children under five years. The mother's ability to read and write favors compliance with the increase of odds of DPT vaccination record of her children, especially in rural areas (OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.05-2.74; p<0.05). Moreover, there are serval other factors influencing positively the maternal and child health, like health insurance access, media exposure, and clean water and improved sanitation facilities access. This study emphasizes on the need to strengthen adult literacy programs, especially for women in rural areas. Indeed, this could help generalize health insurance by income-sensitive premiums or exemptions for the poor as well as increased awareness campaigns to promote reproductive and maternal health benefits, via the radio or television. Furthermore, improving access to clean water supply and improved sanitation facilities would greatly ameliorate maternal and child health.