Correlations between maternal disability and child deaths: An application of the Penalized Maximum Likelihood Logistic Estimation

Background: Children of disabled mothers can face risks of developmental interruptions. In the extreme, maternal disability may be associated with child deaths, a prospect never before explored in Ghana. Aims: To explore robust correlations between maternal disability and child deaths. Methods and procedures: Using the publicly-available 10 % random sample of the 2021 Ghana Population and Housing Census, a Penalized Maximum Likelihood Logistic Estimation technique is used to estimate correlations between disability conditions of mothers and child deaths. The set of disability conditions includes functional limitations experienced by mothers, at varying degrees of severity. Robustness checks use alternative empirical specifications. Outcomes and results: Findings suggest, consistently, that the presence of maternal disability is associated with greater odds of child deaths. The nature of disability matters, with sight and severe selfcare limitations among mothers associated with higher odds. Conclusions and implications: Findings are advocative of greater parental support for disabled mothers, as well as interventions to ensure the health and safety of children. While speculations of causal pathways are discussed, further research is needed to ascertain these channels.