Education, Per Capita Income And Maternal Mortality In Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

While many studies have tested the theoretical essence of education or income on maternal mortality, none has studied these relationships in the long term. Researchers have paid very little attention to assessing the impact of income or education on maternal mortality in Sub-Saharan African countries with different income statuses. Using panel data on forty-three Sub-Saharan African countries over the period 1980 to 2010, along with the modernization theory, the study unravels the potential long term relationship that exists between education, per capita income and maternal mortality. The study employed Fully Modified Ordinary Least Square, Generalized Least Squares and Random Effect Model to ascertain any long run or short term relationship between income, education and maternal mortality. The study found that there exists a long run relationship between education, income per capita and maternal mortality. In the short term income per capita, education, skilled births attendance and fertility rate affected maternal mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa. The study also found significant variation in the impact of income per capita, education, skilled birth attendance and total fertility rate on maternal mortality. The study recommends investment in improving efficiency and productivity in both the private and public sectors to boost the income levels in the economy. Educational reforms that would improve female enrollment at primary schools are highly recommended. Finally, increased budgetary allocation to maternal health care units in the area of maternal health services like increased skilled birth attendance and postnatal care services in Sub-Saharan Africa is essential.