Multilevel Modelling of the Determinants of under-Five Deaths in South Africa: Evidence from 2016 Demographic Health Survey

Tshediso Barwe, PhD Candidate
Mluleki Tsawe, North-West University

Background: The world has made significant progress in reducing under-five mortality rates (U5MR). However, U5MR remains high in sub-Saharan Africa. Although South Africa has lowest U5MR in the region, the country has failed to meet the national targets of reducing U5MR. Methods: We used secondary data from the 2016 South Africa Demographic Health Survey. We conducted bivariate and multivariate analyses to meet the study’s objective. Results: The findings show that the sex of a child, population group, level of education, household wealth, type of toilet facility, place of residence and province were associated with under-five deaths. The U5MR was highest in Mpumalanga and lowest in Western Cape. Under-five mortality rate showed variations at the provincial level. Conclusions: From results, there is a slow progress in reducing under-five mortality rate. The study calls for further improvement in ambulance services, and a functional rapid response system for emergencies in remote rural areas.