Under-five mortality and social determinants in africa: a systematic review.

purposeUnder-five mortality is a key public health indicator, highly responsive to preventive interventions. While global efforts have made strides in reducing mortality rates in this age group, significant disparities persist, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to systematically review the factors influencing under-five mortality in Africa, focusing on sociodemographic factors and health-related determinants.

methodsA systematic review was conducted adhering to PRISMA guidelines. Studies were identified from a range of well-established indexed academic databases. Keywords and Boolean operators facilitated relevant study retrieval. Only articles published in English, Portuguese, or Spanish between January 2013 and November 2024, in peer-reviewed journals, were included. Methodological quality assessment utilised the Joanna Briggs Institute tool.

resultsOf the 602 studies identified, 39 met the inclusion criteria. Key determinants of under-five mortality included socioeconomic factors such as poverty and maternal education, along with maternal age extremes, multiparity, inadequate prenatal care, and low birth weight.

conclusionAddressing social disparities, particularly through enhanced maternal education and improved access to primary healthcare, is critical in reducing under-five mortality in Africa. The findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions that address both social and healthcare-related factors to mitigate child mortality in the region. WHAT IS KNOWN: •Under-five mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa is primarily driven by preventable infectious diseases, such as diarrhoea, pneumonia, malaria, and HIV/AIDS, compounded by malnutrition and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. •Socio-economic factors, including poverty, maternal education, and limited access to quality healthcare, are consistently identified as key determinants of high child mortality rates in the region. WHAT IS NEW: •This review applies the Mosley and Chen framework to categorise the determinants of under-five mortality into distal, intermediate, and proximal factors, providing a structured understanding of their interconnections. •The findings underscore how socio-economic conditions, maternal education, and healthcare access interact to influence child survival outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa, offering valuable insights for region-specific public health interventions.