Peer-reviewed article
Factors associated with inequalities in malnutrition among children in Ghana using the 2022 GDHS and WHO HEAT framework.
Eugene Budu, Ebenezer Kwesi Armah-Ansah, Nhyira Owusuaa Gyawu, Rabbi Tweneboah, Kwamena Sekyi-Dickson et al. ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study analyzed data from Ghana's 2022 Demographic and Health Survey to understand inequalities in childhood malnutrition. Using WHO's Health Equity Assessment Toolkit, researchers examined how child age, maternal education, economic status, place of residence, and region affect malnutrition rates. Stunting was the most common form of malnutrition at 17.4%, with significant disparities across regions, with Northern Ghana being particularly vulnerable. The study found that maternal education and rural residence were associated with higher malnutrition rates.
Key points
- Stunting was the highest malnutrition indicator at 17.4% among Ghanaian children
- Child age showed the largest inequality difference (D = 7.2) in malnutrition prevalence
- Maternal education demonstrated a 1.8-fold ratio in malnutrition differences between groups
- Rural place of residence was associated with 1.3-fold higher malnutrition risk than urban areas
- Subnational region showed the largest inequality difference (D = 19.1), with Northern Ghana particularly affected
Limitations
This is a cross-sectional study, so it cannot establish causal relationships between the equity stratifiers and malnutrition. The study identifies associations and inequalities but does not evaluate interventions or their effectiveness.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Childhood malnutrition can impair physical and cognitive development, thereby diminishing productivity at adulthood. Current research recognizes the crucial impact of early childhood nutrition on the long-term health and well-being of children. Ghana has achieved notable progress in lowering childhood malnutrition; nevertheless, it remains a major concern. This study advances current understanding on the socioeconomic drivers and magnitude of child malnutrition in the Ghanaian context. METHODS: We used data from 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey to analyze inequalities in malnutrition among children This study was an analytical cross-sectional survey that covered a total weighted sample of 4,935 women aged 15-49. Simple measures of inequality [difference (D), and Ratio (R)], and complex measures of inequality [Population Attributable risk (PAR), and Population Attributable Fraction (PAF)] were performed using the World Health Organization's Health Equity Assessment Toolkit (WHO's HEAT) software. Six equity stratifiers examined malnutrition among children in Ghana: child's age, economic status, educational status, place of residence, sex of child, and subnational region. RESULTS: Overall, out of the four child malnutrition indicators used, stunting was the highest with 17.4%. We observed age (D = 7.2, UI = 4.0- 10.4, PAF=-67.7, UI=-67.9- -67.4), maternal education (R = 1.8, UI = 1.5-2.1; PAF=-18.8, UI=-18.8--18.7), place of residence (R = 1.3, UI = 1.1-1.6; PAF=-13.4, UI=-13.4--13.3), and subnational region (D = 19.1, UI = 13.5-24.8; PAR=-6.9, UI=-10.1--3.8). CONCLUSION: This study revealed the existence of inequalities in malnutrition among children in Ghana, which is influenced by child's age, maternal economic status, maternal education, place of residence, and subnational region. To tackle the issues of child malnutrition in Ghana, it is vital to implement targeted interventions that address age-related disparities and implement social protection programs. Subnational region disparities must be addressed by directing resources to areas vulnerable to malnutrition, such as Northern Ghana, adapting interventions to local needs, and improving infrastructure to facilitate better healthcare and nutrition access in rural communities.