Socio-Economic Covariates of Micronutrients Supplementation and Deworming among Children in Ghana

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 (GDHS) 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 utilise VAS and dewormer for their children relative to unemployed mothers. Also mothers with secondary education, primary education and educated mothers respectively were more likely to utilise VAS, Iron supplements and Dewormer for their children relative to the uneducated mothers. Further, mothers with health insurance were more probable to utilise VAS for their children relative to uninsured mothers. Also 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 Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) could be effective tools in ensuring child health utilisation (VAS, Iron supplements and deworming).