Household Decision Making and Child Survival Status in Uganda

Allen Kabagenyi, Makerere University
Olivia Nankinga, Makerere University

According to the global under-five mortality estimates Uganda ranks 28th among the leading countries with a rate of 136 deaths per 1000 live births. Despite government efforts to reduce the high childhood mortality estimates, rates are persistently high. Using 2006 Demographic and Health Survey carried out on 8531 women in 80 districts of Uganda, the study explores the influence of women’s decision making at the household on child survival status. Results present variations in child survival status by mothers’ socio-economic characteristics. Logistic regression analysis shows that women who make decisions about their own health and household purchases were three times more likely to have their children survive. Children born to women in marital relationships and to women aged 35 years and above also had less chances of surviving. The study suggests the need for women empowerment, education and provision of income generating activities to increase on their purchasing power.