An analysis of the impact of Nigeria's health programs on child mortality between 1980 and 1995

This historical study explored the impact of Nigeria's health programs on child mortality between 1980 and 1995. Using data from previous studies, the relationships between the dependent variable and the independent variables were analyzed by means of multiple regressions statistics. On the Pearson product-moment correlation (2-tailed), each of the 15 independent variables showed a statistically significant impact on child mortality. First, in the stepwise version of multiple regression, some economy of variables was achieved; 9 of the 15 variables together appeared as the more significant predictors of impact on child mortality. However, because of multicollinearity problems, the stepwise regression procedure was again used to reduce these nine to three most essential independent variables.; From this study's findings, it can be concluded that significant improvements in child mortality are likely to depend on factors including nutritional rehabilitation; establishment of more outreach programs to screen all young children for immunizations and correct any shortcomings on a community-wide basis, not only among those who use existing institutional health services; wider use of oral rehydration therapy by mothers for young children who have diarrhea; intersectoral interventions to complement and maintain health improvements, such as the provision of safe water in rural areas; more and better training of health care workers; and environmental sanitation.; Because the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) is the only known nationally representative survey for Nigeria, this study also recommended that the Nigerian government sponsor a DHS-type survey at the beginning and end of every decade. A survey conducted between 2001 and 2006 could provide baseline information and the data needed for program planning. A survey 10 years later could be conducted to evaluate health achievements during that decade.