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International Journal for Equity in Health
Published in: International Journal for Equity in Health 1/2016

Open Access 01-12-2016 | Research

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

Authors: Tim B. Heaton, Benjamin Crookston, Hayley Pierce, Acheampong Yaw Amoateng

Published in: International Journal for Equity in Health | Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Background

This 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.

Methods

Data are taken from Demographic and Health Surveys conducted between 2003 and 2012 in 26 African countries.

Results

Birth 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.

Conclusion

Some health behavior and policy changeswould reduce social inequality, but the wealthy benefit more than the poor from provision of health services.
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Metadata
Title
Social inequality and children’s health in Africa: a cross sectional study
Authors
Tim B. Heaton
Benjamin Crookston
Hayley Pierce
Acheampong Yaw Amoateng
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
International Journal for Equity in Health / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1475-9276
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12939-016-0372-2

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