The determinants of under-five mortality in a selected village in Vhembe District, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Despite modest improvements in child health outcomes during the 20th century, infant and child mortality rates remain unacceptably high in South Africa. South Africa, like many other countries in sub-Saharan Africa, is challenged by high levels of under -five child mortality. Aim: The purpose of this study was to explore the determinants of under-five mortality in a selected village in Vhembe District, South Africa. Methodology: The study was conducted in Mhinga Village in Vhembe District, Limpopo province South Africa. A qualitative approach using a descriptive design was used for the study. A sample of 7 mothers who lost children under 5 years of age through death were selected from the target population by means of snowball sampling. Data was collected through a semi-structured interview. The data collected was analysed using the thematic analytical approach. Results: Four main themes emerged during data analysis namely, diseases and infections as causes of U5M in Mhinga, Maternal and perinatal health as determinants associated with U5M in Mhinga, Health care factors as determinants associated with U5M in Mhinga and cultural factors as determinants contributing to U5M in Mhinga, Conclusion and recommendation: The study recommends that a study be conducted on the factors that affect the utilisation of health and ANC services and strategies to promote the use of health and ANC services in Mhinga. The researcher further recommends that a study be conducted on strategies to reduce U5M in Mhinga.