Determinants of under-five mortality in Indonesia: A nationwide study

The mortality rate for infants and children under five in Indonesia is an ongoing challenge for the government, with figures exceeding the targets set for the country by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This study aims to discover the factors causing under-five mortality in Indonesia.

This study will employ a cross-sectional study design with data sourced from the 2017 Indonesian Demographic and Health Survey (IDHS) between July and September 2017. The sample included 10,014 women who had given birth in the five years prior to the survey. The data was analyzed using Binary logistic regression with a significance level of p < 0.05.

The significant factors relating to under-five mortality in Indonesia are: mother's age at birth (AOR = 2.04; 95% CI 95% = 1.11-3.77); birth weight (AOR = 7.60; 95% CI 95% = 5.17-11.19); the sex of the child (AOR = 1.80; 95% CI 95% = 1.28-2.52); frequency of using the internet (AOR = 1.13; 95% CI 95% = 0.02-0.95); residence (AOR = 0.64; 95% CI 95% = 0.33-0.94); and birth interval (AOR = 0.52; 95% CI 95% = 0.29-0.92). Birth weight is the more likely cause for under-five mortality in Indonesia.

This study revealed that the characteristics of mothers, children, the area of residence, and the behavior of the mother affect the under-five mortality.

Pediatric nurses can have a role to play in developing knowledge about health for both mothers and families. Additionally, accessible health education on issues from planning a pregnancy to childcare should be promoted in both rural and urban areas as well as a campaign on proper hygiene practices.