| Socio-economic covariates of micronutrients supplementation and deworming among children in Ghana |
| Authors: |
Mustapha Immurana, and Urma Arabi |
| Source: |
Journal of Behavioral Health, 5(4): 154-161; DOI: 10.5455/jbh.20160809081632 |
| Topic(s): |
Child health
Deworming
Iron supplements
Nutrition
Vitamin A
|
| Country: |
Africa
Ghana
|
| Published: |
AUG 2016 |
| Abstract: |
Objective: To investigate the socio-economic covariates of vitamin A and iron supplementation as well as
deworming among children in Ghana. Methods: The 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey, which was
a cross-sectional survey carried out from early September to mid-December, 2014, was the source of data
for the study whiles the binary probit regression model was the empirical model of estimation. Results: The
study among other findings revealed that children from the Greater Accra, Northern and Western regions were
less likely to have received vitamin A supplements (VAS). Employed mothers were also revealed to be more
likely to utilize VAS and dewormer for their children relative to unemployed mothers. Furthermore, mothers
with secondary education, primary education, and educated mothers, respectively, were more likely to utilize
VAS, iron supplements, and dewormer for their children relative to the uneducated mothers. Further, mothers
with health insurance were more probable to utilize VAS for their children relative to uninsured mothers.
Furthermore, children from the Guan, Ewe, Mole-Dagbani, Gurma, and Grusi ethnic backgrounds were found
to be less likely to have received iron supplements. Conclusion: Given the above, the study concludes
that women empowerment through education and employment, maternal health insurance, regional and
ethnic behavior change communication could be effective tools in ensuring child health utilization (VAS, iron
supplements, and deworming).
KEY WORDS: Child health, deworming, Ghana, iron supplement, malnutrition, vitamin A supplement |
| Web: |
http://www.scopemed.org/fulltextpdf.php?mno=230784 |
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