Multi-dimensional poverty and health outcomes in Ghana

Abstract

There is evidence on the social gradient in health in multiple settings. Recent research is increasingly focused on linkages between multidimensional poverty and health to capture and ascertain the role of non-monetary factors on individuals' health. In this paper, using the 2018/19 wave of the Ghana Socioeconomic Panel Survey (GSEPS) and the country's newly introduced multidimensional poverty index, bivariate correlations and regression analyses are carried out to explore associations between household multidimensional poverty and a series of health outcomes, including physical and mental health. There is evidence of significant subgroup differences across the country by gender, rural/urban residence, education, and region. Regression analyses consistently indicate that poorer mental and physical health outcomes are positively and significantly correlated with greater multidimensional poverty. Robustness tests indicate that deprivations in electricity access, safe sanitation and education are particularly relevant. Findings suggest the importance of a more equal geographical distribution of social amenities and infrastructure, as well as adequate targeting of policies to reduce health inequalities across the country and achieve a more equitable and inclusive distribution of resources within the country.