Social inequality and children’s health in Africa: a cross sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundThis study examines socioeconomic inequality in children’s health and factors that moderate this inequality. Socioeconomic measures include household wealth, maternal education and urban/rural area of residence. Moderating factors include reproductive behavior, access to health care, time, economic development, health expenditures and foreign aid.MethodsData are taken from Demographic and Health Surveys conducted between 2003 and 2012 in 26 African countries.ResultsBirth spacing, skilled birth attendants, economic development and greater per capita health expenditures benefit the children of disadvantaged mothers, but the wealthy benefit more from the services of a skilled birth attendant and from higher per capita expenditure on health.ConclusionSome health behavior and policy changeswould reduce social inequality, but the wealthy benefit more than the poor from provision of health services.

Inadequate level of knowledge, mixed outlook and poor adherence to COVID-19 prevention guideline among Ethiopians

“…Being older and having underlining health conditions, reduced ability to access and understand health information, inability to make well-informed decisions and failure to take optimal health-promoting are among the greatest risk factors for sever infection and death due to COVID-19 (12,13). This situation is especially true when the health information itself is not timely, trusted, consistent, or actionable particularly in sub-Saharan African countries where health inequalities are worsened by lack of political commitment and good governance (14). As a result, a wide range of health disparities may exist by age, ethnicity, regions, political affiliations and socio-demographic status (14)(15)(16).…”

“…This situation is especially true when the health information itself is not timely, trusted, consistent, or actionable particularly in sub-Saharan African countries where health inequalities are worsened by lack of political commitment and good governance (14). As a result, a wide range of health disparities may exist by age, ethnicity, regions, political affiliations and socio-demographic status (14)(15)(16). Therefore, During COVID-19 pandemic when the understanding of critical preventive measures and ever-changing public health messages is most important, many vulnerable populations may be further marginalized by inadequate health communication, posing substantial risks to themselves and their communities.…”

WHO child growth standards for Pygmies: one size fits all?

“…The term malnutrition covers 'undernutrition'-which includes stunting (low height for age), wasting (low weight for height), underweight (low weight for age), micronutrient deficiencies or insufficiencies (a lack of important vitamins and minerals) and 'overnutrition' which includes overweight and obesity. Factors affecting undernutrition are manifold, ultimately determined by socio-economic and political factors that prolong poverty and social inequities [1,2]. The consequences of undernutrition include increased risk of infection, death, and delayed cognitive development resulting in low adult incomes and intergenerational transmission of poverty.…”

Methods to promote equity in health resource allocation in low- and middle-income countries: an overview

“…They can be further caused or compounded by the relative under-utilisation of health services by the worst-off and least healthy, a phenomenon known as the inverse care law [7]. Socioeconomically advantaged groups are often better placed to access healthcare services, can afford higher quality services when they do access care and adopt new effective services earlier than those in disadvantaged groups [8]. This means that without targeted implementation, new interventions and policies can inadvertently increase inequities in the population [9].…”