Introduction: Globally, the reduction of childhood mortality is a major objective to meet the health-related targets of the Sustainable Development Goals 2030. Studies have shown that childhood mortality is high in developing countries like Nigeria, especially in rural areas. This study identifies environmental factors associated with childhood survival among rural women in Nigeria. Method: This retrospective study analyzed the 2018 National Demographic and Health Survey data. Women aged 15 – 49 years who lived in rural areas and had a child between 12-59 months old were included in the study. The number of children who died or were alive for each woman was the primary outcome. A logistic model was employed to identify the associated factors. Results: Childhood mortality in rural Nigeria was approximately 23%. Child survival was linked to the types of toilet facilities, distance to the water source, households with motorcycles, and the materials used for floors and roofs (p < 0.05). The sex of the head of household, type of mosquito bed-net, cooking fuel, households with televisions, and wall materials were also significantly associated with childhood survival (p < 0.05). Additionally, electricity and the age of the household head had a significant correlation with childhood survival in the southern part of the country (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The identified risk factors must be addressed to enhance childhood survival. This intervention will improve the environmental conditions for rural women, which will ultimately play a crucial role in achieving one of the Sustainable Development Goals of reducing childhood mortality.
KS et al. (Sun,) studied this question.