Trends in socioeconomic inequalities in child undernutrition: Evidence from Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (2003 – 2013)

Blessing J Akombi, Kingsley E Agho, Andre M Renzaho, John J Hall and Dafna R Merom

PLOS ONE, 2019, vol. 14, issue 2, 1-13

Abstract: Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the trend in socioeconomic inequalities in child undernutrition in Nigeria. Methods: The study analysed cross-sectional data from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2003 to 2013. The outcome variables were stunting, wasting and underweight among children under-five years. The magnitude of child undernutrition in Nigeria was estimated via a concentration index, and the socioeconomic factors contributing to child undernutrition over time were determined using the decomposition method. Results: The concentration index showed an increase in childhood wasting and underweight in Nigeria over time. The socioeconomic factors contributing to the increase in child undernutrition were: child’s age (0–23 months), maternal education (no education), household wealth index (poorest household), type of residence (rural) and geopolitical zone (North East, North West). Conclusions: To address child undernutrition, there is a need to improve maternal education and adopt effective social protection policies especially in rural communities in Nigeria.

Date: 2019
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:plo:pone00:0211883

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211883

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