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Open Access 01-12-2018 | Research

A comparative analysis of socioeconomic inequities in stunting: a case of three middle-income African countries

Authors: Coretta M. P. Jonah, Winnie C. Sambu, Julian D. May

Published in: Archives of Public Health | Issue 1/2018

Abstract

Background

Despite increased economic growth and development, and existence of various policies and interventions aimed at improving food security and nutrition, majority of countries in sub-Saharan Africa have very high levels of child malnutrition. The prevalence of stunting, an indicator of chronic malnutrition, is especially high.

Methods

In this paper, we use Demographic and Health Survey datasets from three countries in the region that obtained middle-income status over the last decade (Ghana, Kenya and Zambia), to provide a comparative quantitative assessment of stunting levels, and examine patterns in stunting inequalities between 2007 and 2014.

Results

Our analyses reveal that stunting rates decreased in all three countries over the study period, but are still high. In Zambia, 40% of under 5-year olds are stunted, compared to 26% in Kenya and 19% in Ghana. In all three countries, male children and those living in the poorest households have significantly higher levels of stunting. We also observe stark inequalities across socio-economic status, and show that these inequalities have increased over time.

Conclusions

Our results reveal that even with economic gains at the national level, there is need for continued focus on improving the socio-economic levels of the poorest households, if child nutritional outcomes are to improve.

http://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malnutrition.

In terms of population living below the international poverty line ($1.90 a day), the variations in data years across the three countries makes comparisons difficult. However, the most recent data shows that in 2012, 12% of the population in Ghana lived below $1.90 a day (2011 PPP). In Zambia, 57.5% of the population lived below $1.90 a day in 2015, while in Kenya the most recent available data (2015), shows that 36.8% of the population lives below $1.90 a day (2011 PPP). Statistics are available here: http://povertydata.worldbank.org/poverty/home.

The DHS geographical classifications are based on individual countries’ statistical agencies’ definition of rural and urban areas.

GNI $PPP data is for 2015. Stunting rates are based on the most recent available datasets, ranging from 2010 to 2015.

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Title: A comparative analysis of socioeconomic inequities in stunting: a case of three middle-income African countries
Authors: Coretta M. P. Jonah
Winnie C. Sambu
Julian D. May
Publication date: 01-12-2018
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Archives of Public Health / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 2049-3258
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13690-018-0320-2

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

A comparative analysis of socioeconomic inequities in stunting: a case of three middle-income African countries

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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