Spatial Analysis of Under-five Mortality Clustering in Northern Nigeria: Findings from Nahuche Health and Demographic Surveillance System, Zamfara State

Aims: The persistent high rate of under-five (age 0-59 months) mortality in Nigeria and northern Nigeria in particular, remains one of the most discussed topics in all population-development spheres. The importance of spatial assessment and mapping of health data cannot be over emphasized. The objective of the study was to identify high risk areas of under-five mortality clustering in selected communities of Zamfara State in northern Nigeria.

Study Design: Longitudinal study of demographic data collected at the household level.

Place and Duration of Study: Nahuche Health and Demographic Surveillance System, Zamfara State, Nigeria, between January 2011 and December 2013.

Methodology: The study identified high risk areas of under-five mortality clustering in the study area through collection and processing of health and demographic data (mortality and fertility) and geographic coordinates of all compounds within a demographic surveillance system area in northern Nigeria. The surveillance area had a population of 142, 129 as of December 2013.

Results: Under-five mortality clustering was observed in all the six districts of the surveillance area. Two of the six districts with significant under-five mortality clustering were characterized by poor access to health care facilities, poor sanitation and living conditions which are typical of rural and disadvantaged northern Nigeria settings.

Conclusion: The findings call for effective health interventions to reduce the high burden of under-five mortality in the study communities and other communities in northern Nigeria with similar characteristics.