Birth intervals and child survival in Kenya

Abstract

This paper examines the effect of birth intervals on child survival in Kenya, using the data drawn from the 1988/89 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey. Logistic regression is used as the major method of data analysis. The results show that the birth intervals have strong negative effects on infant and child mortality. Their effects remain strong even after a large number of other explanatory variables are taken into account This paper provides empirical evidence that birth intervals of at least two years enhance the prospects of child survival in Kenya.