Infant mortality serves as a vital measure of overall population health, with sub-Saharan Africa exhibiting the highest rates globally. The objective of this research is to determine the factors linked to infant mortality in Gezira State, Sudan. From July to December 2021, a cross-sectional survey was carried out, including 332 participants chosen through simple random sampling. Information was gathered via a structured questionnaire, and significant predictors of infant mortality were identified using the Cox proportional hazards regression model.
Multiple factors showed significant associations with infant mortality. Infants of mothers with no education or only primary-level education faced an elevated risk of mortality (HR = 3.003, p = 0.0014), whereas secondary education had a protective effect (HR = 0.433, p < 0.0001). Low (HR = 2.527, p = 0.0078) and moderate (HR = 3.109, p = 0.0001) household income levels were linked to higher risks. Delivery at home (HR = 1.684, p = 0.0006), birth size smaller than average (HR = 12.975, p < 0.0001), and prior stillbirth experience (HR = 2.508, p = 0.003) emerged as potent predictors of infant mortality. Furthermore, the age of the mother at first marriage and the overall number of births influenced survival probabilities significantly. To lower infant mortality rates in Sudan, interventions should focus on enhancing maternal education, improving access to healthcare services, and implementing specific measures for the high-risk populations highlighted in this research.
