MOTHER’S EDUCATIONAL LEVEL AND ITS IMPACT ON FERTILITY AND CHILD MORTALITY

This thesis explores the intricate relationship between maternal education, fertility, and child mortality in The Gambia, underscoring the critical role of education in fostering improved health outcomes for both mothers and children. Recognizing education as a transformative agent, the study emphasizes its positive implications on reproductive health, including reduced fertility rates and enhanced child survival. Despite global advancements in health indices and educational access, sub-Saharan Africa, particularly The Gambia, continues to grapple with high child mortality and fertility rates. Utilizing data from the 2019 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), this research employs Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression analysis to examine how maternal education influences reproductive behaviors and child health outcomes. Key findings reveal that educated mothers are more likely to delay childbirth, utilize contraception, and engage in health-promoting practices, which collectively contribute to lower child mortality rates. The study highlights significant disparities in maternal education, particularly between urban and rural women, which exacerbate health outcomes and reinforce socio-cultural challenges such as early marriage. By elucidating the linkages between maternal education and health, this research aims to inform policy interventions that address both the dual burden of high fertility and child mortality, while advancing gender equality and educational achievements. Ultimately, this study supports global efforts towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to health (SDG 3) and education (SDG 4).