| dc.description.abstract | In most developing countries of the world, high infant mortality is still a major concern that warrants attention. The broad objective of the study was to assess how selected socio-cultural factors influenced infant mortality in Butula Sub-county of Busia County. The specific objectives were to determine the extent to which the level of education of the mother influenced infant mortality in Butula Sub-county. To evaluate how religious beliefs of the parents influenced infant mortality in Butula Sub-county. To establish how tradition under which an infant is born influenced infant mortality in Butula Sub-county. In Kenya, low level of education of mothers tends to influence infant mortality more negatively, especially in the poor regions. Some religious teachings discourage use of modern medical treatment thus increasing infant mortality traditions. Some traditions on newly born infant have an adverse influence on infant survival. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The target population was all mothers of child bearing age in Butula Sub-county. Probability and non-probability sampling were used in the study. Instruments for data collection were questionnaires, interview schedules and observation check lists. Data collected was primary and secondary. Data was analyzed using SPSS which yielded descriptive statistics, mainly in form of tables and percentages. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to establish the relationship between level of education of the mother and infant mortality in Butula Sub-county. Data was presented using statistical tables showing percentages. The findings revealed that mothers with university had lower infant mortality at 0.01% infant death per mother compared to those who did not go to school at 65.70% infant death per mother, mothers belonging to mainstream churches had lower infant mortality at 23.10% infant death per mother compared to mothers belonging to traditional African churches at 36.20% infant death per mother and mothers who confined their infants immediately after birth had lower infant deaths at 19.52% infant deaths per mother compared to mothers who didn’t confine their infant at 53.73% infant deaths per mother. The government should enhance education of the girl child, promote sound religious doctrines and encourage more people to use modern methods of caring for infants. It is hoped that results of this study will be useful to mothers and policy makers. | en_US |