Factors influencing maternal mortality in Kenya

Abstract

This research seeks to establish the factors that influence maternal mortality in Kenya. Various strides aimed towards achieving of the millennium development goal (MDGs) number five on reducing maternal mortalities have been made. However, Kenya was unable achieve this goal by end of 2015.This calls for more studies to inform policy in this area. The study looks at non-clinical aspects that influence occurrence of maternal mortality in Kenya. Maternal mortality is measured using Ramos approach, applied to data from Kenya Demographic and Health Survey of 2008/09. Binary logit model was employed to evaluate the magnitudes of how various factors influence maternal mortality. Study findings indicate that mother’sage, marital status, female autonomy, wealth index and region of residence have significant influence on maternal mortality.