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Haile TG, Benova L, Mirkuzie AH, Asefa A. Effective coverage of curative child health services in Ethiopia: analysis of the Demographic and Health Survey and Service Provision Assessment survey. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e077856. [PMID: 38382958 PMCID: PMC10882307 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-077856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Despite a remarkable decline, childhood morbidity and mortality in Ethiopia remain high and inequitable. Thus, we estimated the effective coverage of curative child health services in Ethiopia. DESIGN We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of data from the 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) and the 2014 Ethiopia Service Provision Assessment Plus (SPA+) survey. SETTING Nationally representative household and facility surveys. PARTICIPANTS AND OUTCOMES We included a sample of 2096 children under 5 years old (from DHS) who had symptoms of one or more common childhood illnesses (diarrhoea, fever and acute respiratory infection) and estimated the percentage of sick children who were taken to a health facility (crude coverage). To construct a quality index of child health services, we used the SPA+ survey, which was conducted in 1076 health facilities and included observations of care for 1980 sick children and surveys of 1908 mothers/caregivers and 5328 health providers. We applied the Donabedian quality of care framework to identify 58 quality parameters (structure, 31; process, 16; and outcome, 11) and used the weighted additive method to estimate the overall quality of care index. Finally, we multiplied the crude coverage by the quality of care index to estimate the effective coverage of curative child health services, nationally and by region. RESULTS Among the 2096 sick children, only 38.4% (95% CI: 36.5 to 40.4) of them were taken to a health facility. The overall quality of care was 54.4%, weighted from structure (30.0%), process (9.2%) and outcome (15.2%). The effective coverage of curative child health services was estimated at 20.9% (95%CI: 19.9 to 22.0) nationally, ranging from 16.9% in Somali to 34.6% in Dire Dawa regions. CONCLUSIONS System-wide interventions are required to address both demand-side and supply-side bottlenecks in the provision of child health services if child health-related targets are to be achieved in Ethiopia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsegaye Gebremedhin Haile
- Department of Health Systems and Policy, Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Lenka Benova
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Anteneh Asefa
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
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Soleimanvandiazar N, Mohaqeqi Kamal SH, Basakha M, Karim S, Ahmadi S, Ghaedamini Harouni G, Sajjadi H, Setareh Forouzan A. Decomposition of Healthcare Utilization Inequality in Iran: The Prominent Role of Health Literacy and Neighborhood Characteristics. INQUIRY : A JOURNAL OF MEDICAL CARE ORGANIZATION, PROVISION AND FINANCING 2024; 61:469580241229622. [PMID: 38339828 PMCID: PMC10859068 DOI: 10.1177/00469580241229622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Unequal utilization in healthcare can potentially affect the right to health. Access to healthcare services and achieving positive health outcomes and health equity are essential principles in promoting human rights. This study aims to assess and analyze socioeconomic-related inequalities in outpatient health services utilization (OHSU) among various socio-demographic subgroups to inform policies that foster health equity. Data were collected through a cross-sectional survey of 1200 households in Tehran, Iran. Inequality in OHSU among the socio-demographic subgroups was calculated by concentration, Wagstaff, and Erigers indices. Decomposition was used to identify the factors contributing to inequality in OHSU. Marginal effect and elasticity were used to calculate the relative absolute shares of socio-demographic variables in the inequality. The rate of OHSU was 63.61% (CI: 60-66.80) which concentrated among households with better socioeconomic status. Based on the results, living in an affluent neighborhood (Relative share (RS): 85.48) and having a disabled member in the household (RS: 6.58) were the most important factors in the concentration of OHSU in favor of the privileged groups. In contrast, very low levels of health knowledge (RS: -83.79) and having basic insurance coverage (RS: -3.92) concentrated OHSU in favor of the lower socioeconomic households. The study was conducted based on survey data, and this may lead to some limitations. Given that this study was a cross-sectional study, we were unable to establish causal relationships between explanatory variables and outpatient health service utilization and its relevant predictors. Households with disabled member(s), as well as a member(s) with chronic diseases, may experience severe inequalities in access to healthcare services. Policies that facilitate access to health services for these households can play a significant role in improving health equity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mehdi Basakha
- University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Sina Ahmadi
- Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | | | - Homeira Sajjadi
- University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Gautam N, Dessie G, Rahman MM, Khanam R. Socioeconomic status and health behavior in children and adolescents: a systematic literature review. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1228632. [PMID: 37915814 PMCID: PMC10616829 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1228632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Socioeconomic status affects individuals' health behaviors and contributes to a complex relationship between health and development. Due to this complexity, the relationship between SES and health behaviors is not yet fully understood. This literature review, therefore, aims to assess the association between socioeconomic status and health behaviors in childhood and adolescence. Preferred Reporting for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis protocol guidelines were used to conduct a systematic literature review. The electronic online databases EBSCO Host, PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct were utilized to systematically search published articles. The Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appeal tool was used to assess the quality of included studies. Eligibility criteria such as study context, study participants, study setting, outcome measures, and key findings were used to identify relevant literature that measured the association between socioeconomic status and health behaviors. Out of 2,391 studies, only 46 met the final eligibility criteria and were assessed in this study. Our review found that children and adolescents with low socioeconomic status face an elevated risk of unhealthy behaviors (e.g., early initiation of smoking, high-energy-dense food, low physical activity, and involvement in drug abuse), in contrast to their counterparts. Conversely, children and adolescents from higher socioeconomic backgrounds exhibit a higher prevalence of health-promoting behaviors, such as increased consumption of fruit and vegetables, dairy products, regular breakfast, adherence to a nutritious diet, and engagement in an active lifestyle. The findings of this study underscore the necessity of implementing specific intervention measures aimed at providing assistance to families from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds to mitigate the substantial disparities in health behavior outcomes in children and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirmal Gautam
- School of Business, Faculty of Business, Education, Law and Arts, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD, Australia
| | - Getenet Dessie
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Mohammad Mafizur Rahman
- School of Business, Faculty of Business, Education, Law and Arts, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD, Australia
| | - Rasheda Khanam
- School of Business, Faculty of Business, Education, Law and Arts, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD, Australia
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Joshi S, Karki A, Rushton S, Koirala B, Basnet S, Rijal B, Karki J, Pohl G, Baidya M, Chater T, Green D, Lee A. Gender and caste inequalities in primary healthcare usage by under-5 children in rural Nepal: an iterative qualitative study into provider perspectives and the potential role of implicit bias. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e069060. [PMID: 37369413 PMCID: PMC10410982 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study explored provider perspectives on: (1) why inequalities in health service usage persist; and (2) their knowledge and understanding of the role of patient experience and implicit bias (also referred to as unconscious bias). DESIGN A three stage, iterative qualitative study was conducted involving two rounds of in-depth interviews and a training session with healthcare staff. Interview transcripts were analysed using a reflexive thematic approach in relation to the study's aims. SETTING Participants were recruited from rural hill districts (Mugu, Humla, Bajura, Gorkha and Sindhupalchok) of Nepal. PARTICIPANTS Clinical staff from 22 rural health posts. RESULTS Healthcare providers had high levels of understanding of the cultural, educational and socioeconomic factors behind inequalities in healthcare usage in their communities. However, there was less knowledge and understanding of the role of patient experience-and no recognition at all of the concept of implicit bias. CONCLUSION It is highly likely that implicit bias affects provider behaviours in Nepal, just as it does in other countries. However, there is currently not a culture of thinking about the patient experience and how that might impact on future usage of health services. Implicit bias training for health students and workers would help create greater awareness of unintended discriminatory behaviours. This in turn may play a part in improving patient experience and future healthcare usage, particularly among disadvantaged groups.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Simon Rushton
- Department of Politics and International Relations, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | | | | | - Jiban Karki
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | | | | | - Tim Chater
- Liverpool Clinical Trials Centre, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Dan Green
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Andrew Lee
- School of Health and Related Research, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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Rahman MS, Chowdhury MRK, Islam MR, Krull Abe S, Hossain K, Iwabuchi T, Tsuchiya KJ, Gilmour S. Determinants and Projections of Minimum Acceptable Diet among Children Aged 6-23 Months: A National and Subnational Inequality Assessment in Bangladesh. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2010. [PMID: 36767377 PMCID: PMC9915340 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Subnational evidence on the level of inequality in receiving complementary feeding practice among Bangladeshi children is lacking. This study estimated inequality in the minimum acceptable diet (MAD) among Bangladeshi children aged 6-23 months, and identified risk factors for and developed projections of the MAD up to 2030. Data from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2017-2018 were used in this cross-sectional study. Regression-based slope (SII) and relative index of inequality (RII) were used to quantify the level of absolute and relative inequality, respectively. A Bayesian logistic regression model was used to identify the potential determinants of a MAD and project prevalence up to 2030. About 38% of children aged 6-23 months received a MAD. The national prevalence of a MAD was 26.0 percentage points higher among children from the richest compared to the poorest households, and 32.1 percentage points higher among children of higher-educated over illiterate mothers. Socioeconomic inequality was found to be the highest in the Chattogram division (SII: 43.9), while education-based inequality was highest in the Sylhet division (SII: 47.7). Maternal employment and the number of ANC visits were also identified as significant determinants of a MAD, and the prevalence of a MAD was projected to increase from 42.5% in 2020 to 67.9% in 2030. Approximately two out of five children received a MAD in Bangladesh and significant socioeconomic and education-based inequalities in the MAD were observed. Subnational variation in socioeconomic and education-based inequalities in the MAD requires further public health attention, and poverty reduction programs need to be strengthened.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Shafiur Rahman
- Research Centre for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Suita 565-0871, Japan
| | - Md. Rocky Khan Chowdhury
- Department of Public Health, First Capital University of Bangladesh, Chuadanga 7200, Bangladesh
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, St. Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Md. Rashedul Islam
- Hitotsubashi Institute for Advance Study, Hitotsubashi University, Tokyo 186-8601, Japan
| | - Sarah Krull Abe
- Division of Prevention, National Cancer Center Institute for Cancer Control, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
| | - Kamal Hossain
- Department of Population Science and Human Resource Development, Rajshahi University, Rajshahi 6204, Bangladesh
| | - Toshiki Iwabuchi
- Research Centre for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Suita 565-0871, Japan
| | - Kenji J. Tsuchiya
- Research Centre for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Suita 565-0871, Japan
| | - Stuart Gilmour
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Graduate School of Public Health, St. Luke’s International University, Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0044, Japan
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Bull C, Howie P, Callander EJ. Inequities in vulnerable children’s access to health services in Australia. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:bmjgh-2021-007961. [PMID: 35346955 PMCID: PMC8961130 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-007961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Children born into families at risk of becoming or remaining poor are at significant risk of experiencing childhood poverty, which can impair their start to life, and perpetuate intergenerational cycles of poverty. This study sought to quantify health service utilisation, costs and funding distribution amongst children born into vulnerable compared to non-vulnerable families. Methods This study used a large linked administrative dataset for all women giving birth in Queensland, Australia between July 2012 and July 2018. Health service use included inpatient, emergency department (ED), general practice, specialist, pathology and diagnostic imaging services. Costs included those paid by public hospital funders, private health insurers, Medicare and out-of-pocket costs. Results Vulnerable children comprised 34.1% of the study cohort. Compared with non-vulnerable children, they used significantly higher average numbers of ED services during the first 5 years of life (2.52±3.63 vs 1.97±2.77), and significantly lower average numbers of specialist, pathology and diagnostic imaging services. Vulnerable children incurred significantly greater costs to public hospital funders compared with non-vulnerable children over the first 5 years of life ($16 053 vs $10 247), and significantly lower private health insurer, Medicare and out-of-pocket costs. Conclusion There are clear inequities in vulnerable children’s health service utilisation in Australia. Greater examination of the uptake and cost-effectiveness of maternal and child services is needed, as these services support children’s development in the critical first 1000 days of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Bull
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peta Howie
- Child & Youth Community Health Service, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Emily J Callander
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Rahman S, Amit S, Kafy AA. Gender disparity in telehealth usage in Bangladesh during COVID-19. SSM - MENTAL HEALTH 2022; 2:100054. [PMID: 35036972 PMCID: PMC8752120 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmmh.2021.100054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aims Telehealth allows healthcare workers to see patients virtually in locations that were not accessible previously, which has reduced cost and time and saved lives. The research aims to examine gender disparity among telehealth usage during the pandemic in 2020. This study will leverage a timely national experiment to evaluate the users of telehealth across the Bangladeshi population. Methods We obtained de-identified data for 200 patients among outpatient telehealth visits from Global Health Data Exchange as it captured telehealth use throughout Bangladesh. Results The analysis showed that male patients had a higher dependency on telehealth than female patients. 14% of the female patients opted for telehealth visits only with 57% cases of missed doses of medication, compared to males with 20% of them choosing telehealth visits and 29% missing their doses of medication. We found that the youngest age group, 16–25, had the highest dependence on telehealth compared to any other age group, and the lowest dependence was among the oldest age group of 45 years and above. Conclusions There was a strong association between telehealth use and gender disparity with p value = 0.02 < 0.05. Longitudinal and geographical data are needed to understand more about the gender disparities and impact in telehealth utilizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saanjaana Rahman
- Center for Enterprise and Society, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB), Dhanmondi, Dhaka, 1209, Bangladesh
- Population Health Sciences, Cornell University, NY, USA
| | - Sajid Amit
- Center for Enterprise and Society, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB), Dhanmondi, Dhaka, 1209, Bangladesh
| | - Abdulla-Al Kafy
- ICLEI South Asia, Rajshahi City Corporation, Rajshahi, 6200, Bangladesh
- Department of Urban & Regional Planning, Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology, Rajshahi, 6203, Bangladesh
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Dheresa M, Dessie Y, Negash B, Balis B, Getachew T, Mamo Ayana G, Merga BT, Regassa LD. Child Vaccination Coverage, Trends and Predictors in Eastern Ethiopia: Implication for Sustainable Development Goals. J Multidiscip Healthc 2021; 14:2657-2667. [PMID: 34584421 PMCID: PMC8464587 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s325705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Every year, immunization prevents about 4–5 million child fatalities from vaccine preventable morbidities. Conversely, in Ethiopia, achieving full coverage of vaccination has continued to be challenging. Socio-demographic, caregivers and child related factors determine vaccination coverage. Therefore, this study aimed to find out recent coverage, trends in coverage, and its predictors in eastern Ethiopia. Methods A population-based longitudinal study design was conducted among 14,246 children aged 12–24 months from 2017 to 2021 in Kersa Health and Demographic Surveillance System site (KHDSS). The data were collected from caregivers of the child by face to face interview. Multinomial logistic regressions were used to identify predictors of vaccination. The association between vaccination coverage and its predictors was presented by adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval. A p-value of <0.05 was used to establish statistical significance. Results From the 14,198 included children, only 39% of children were fully vaccinated, with highest proportion in 2020 (45%) and lowest proportion in 2019 (32%). In comparison to fully vaccinated, being partially vaccinated was positively associated with older maternal age, rural residence, unemployment, rich wealth index, no antenatal care, facility delivery, and birth order whereas negatively associated with semi-urban residence. In compared to fully vaccinated, being not vaccinated was positively associated with older maternal age, rural residence, maternal education, unemployment, and no antenatal care whereas negatively associated with semi-urban residence, poor wealth index, multipara, grand multipara, and facility delivery. Conclusion Less than two-fifths of children aged 12 to 24 months were fully vaccinated. Socio-demographic factors and maternity care utilization were found to be predictors of vaccination coverage. Therefore, strategies that emphasize women’s empowerment in terms of education, economy, and employment status, and enhancing maternal healthcare utilization may improve vaccination coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merga Dheresa
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Yadeta Dessie
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Belay Negash
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Bikila Balis
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Tamirat Getachew
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Galana Mamo Ayana
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Bedasa Taye Merga
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Lemma Demissie Regassa
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
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Maharatha TM, Dash U. Inequity in health care utilization for common childhood illnesses in India: measurement and decomposition analysis using the India demographic and health survey 2015-16. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:881. [PMID: 34452619 PMCID: PMC8394173 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06887-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Though child mortality has dropped remarkably, it is considerably high in South Asia. Across the globe, 5.2 million children under 5 years of age died in 2019, and India accounts for a significant portion of these deaths. Common childhood illnesses are the leading cause of these deaths. Seeking care from formal providers can reduce these avoidable deaths. Inequity is a crucial blockage in optimum utilization of medical treatment for children. Hence, the present study analyzes the inequalities and horizontal inequities in utilizing the medical treatment for diarrhea, fever, acute respiratory infection (ARI), and any of these common childhood illnesses in India and across the Indian states. The study also attempts to locate significant contributors to these inequalities. METHODS The study used 0 to 59 months children's data sourced from the Demographic and Health Survey, India (2015-16). Concentration Index (CI) and Erreygers Corrected Concentration Index (EI) were used to measure the inequalities. The Horizontal Inequity Index (HII) was deployed to estimate inequity. The decomposition method introduced by Erreygers was applied to determine the significant contributors of inequalities. RESULTS The EI in medical treatment-seeking for common childhood illnesses was 0.16, while the HII was 0.15. The highest inequality was perceived in the utilization of medical treatment for ARI (0.17). The primary contributing factors of these inequalities were continuum of maternal care (18.7%), media exposure (12%), affordability (9.3%), place of residence (9.1%), mother's education (8.5%), and state groups (8.8%). The North-Eastern states showed the highest level of inequality across the Indian states. CONCLUSION The study reveals that the horizontal inequity in medical treatment utilization for children in India is pro-rich. The findings of the study suggest that attuning the efforts of existing maternal and child health programs into one seamless chain of care can bring the inequalities down and improve the utilization of child health care services. The spread of health education through different media sources, reaching out to rural and remote places with adequate health personnel, and easing out the financial hardship in accessing medical treatment could be the cornerstone in accelerating the utilization level amongst the impoverished children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tulasi Malini Maharatha
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Umakant Dash
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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Braimoh T, Danat I, Abubakar M, Ajeroh O, Stanley M, Wiwa O, Prescott MR, Lam F. Private health care market shaping and changes in inequities in childhood diarrhoea treatment coverage: evidence from the analysis of baseline and endline surveys of an ORS and zinc scale-up program in Nigeria. Int J Equity Health 2021; 20:88. [PMID: 33789694 PMCID: PMC8011378 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-021-01425-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nearly 90,000 under-five children die from diarrhoea annually in Nigeria. Over 90% of the deaths can be prevented with oral rehydration salt (ORS) and zinc treatment but coverage nationally was less than 34% for ORS and 3% for zinc with wide inequities. A program was implemented in eight states to address critical barriers to the optimal functioning of the health care market to deliver these treatments. In this study, we examine changes in the inequities of coverage of ORS and zinc over the intervention period. METHODS Baseline and endline household surveys were used to measure ORS and zinc coverage and household assets. Principal component analysis was used to construct wealth quintiles. We used multi-level logistic regression models to estimate predictive coverage of ORS and zinc by wealth and urbanicity at each survey period. Simple measures of disparity and concentration indices and curves were used to evaluate changes in ORS and zinc coverage inequities. RESULTS At baseline, 28% (95% CI: 22-35%) of children with diarrhoea from the poorest wealth quintile received ORS compared to 50% (95% CI: 52-58%) from the richest. This inequality reduced at endline as ORS coverage increased by 21%-points (P < 0.001) for the poorest and 17%-points (P < 0.001) for the richest. Zinc coverage increased significantly for both quintiles at endline from an equally low baseline coverage level. Consistent with the findings of the pairwise comparison of the poorest and the richest, the summary measure of disparity across all wealth quintiles showed a narrowing of inequities from baseline to endline. Concentration curves shifted towards equality for both treatments, concentration indices declined from 0.1012 to 0.0480 for ORS and from 0.2640 to 0.0567 for zinc. Disparities in ORS and zinc coverage between rural and urban at both time points was insignificant except that the use of zinc in the rural at endline was significantly higher at 38% (95%CI: 35-41%) compared to 29% (95%CI, 25-33%) in the urban. CONCLUSION The results show a pro-rural improvement in coverage and a reduction in coverage inequities across wealth quintiles from baseline to endline. This gives an indication that initiatives focused on shaping healthcare market systems may be effective in reducing health coverage gaps without detracting from equity as a health policy objective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiwadayo Braimoh
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, No. 62, KG5 Avenue, Kacyiru, Kigali, Rwanda.
| | - Isaac Danat
- Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, UK
| | | | | | | | - Owens Wiwa
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | - Felix Lam
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Boston, MA, USA
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