Work

Association between health insurance membership and anaemia among children under-five years. Evidence from Ghana

Year: 2020

Type: article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Anaemia is prevalent among children in developing countries. The main objective of this study was to assess the association between health insurance membership and anaemia among Ghanaian children under-five years. METHODS: We obtained Ghana's Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey, 2011 dataset from the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund. Data were analyzed with the aid of Stata/IC, version 15. RESULTS: The prevalence of anaemia among Ghanaian children under-five years was estimated to be 57%. Majority (73%) of the children were not insured. Health insurance membership was found to be a significant predictor of anaemia among children under-five years. CONCLUSION: Health insurance membership is a protective factor against anaemia among children under-five years. In the quest to eradicate anaemia among children, stakeholders would have to review the benefit package of the National Health Insurance Scheme coupled with prioritizing anaemia prevention interventions among more vulnerable children.

Source: PLoS ONE

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0238792

Authors: Emmanuel Anongeba Anaba, Aaron Asibi Abuosi, Joshua Cobby Azilaku, Jacqueline Nkrumah

Institutions: University of Ghana, College of Health and Well-Being, Kintampo, University of Education, Winneba

Language: English

Topic: Child Nutrition and Water Access

Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics

Field: Nursing

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities, Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,695