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PATHWAYS OF THE DETERMINANTS OF UNFAVOURABLE BIRTH OUTCOMES IN KENYA

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  17 February 2004

MONICA MAGADI
Affiliation:
Department of Social Statistics, University of Southampton, Southampton S017 1BJ
IAN DIAMOND
Affiliation:
Department of Social Statistics, University of Southampton, Southampton S017 1BJ
NYOVANI MADISE
Affiliation:
Department of Social Statistics, University of Southampton, Southampton S017 1BJ
PETER SMITH
Affiliation:
Department of Social Statistics, University of Southampton, Southampton S017 1BJ

Abstract

This paper explores the pathways of the determinants of unfavourable birth outcomes, such as premature birth, the size of the baby at birth, and Caesarean section deliveries, in Kenya using graphical log-linear chain models. The results show that a number of factors that do not have direct associations with unfavourable birth outcomes contribute to these outcomes indirectly through intermediate factors. Marital status, the desirability of a pregnancy, the use of family planning and access to health facilities have no direct associations with poor birth outcomes, such as premature births and the small size of the baby at birth, but are linked to these outcomes through antenatal care. Antenatal care is identified as a central link between various sociodemographic or reproductive factors and birth outcomes.

Type
Regular Articles
Copyright
© 2004 Cambridge University Press

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