Correlates and spatial distribution of the co-occurrence of childhood anaemia and stunting in Ghana. (December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Christian, Aaron Kobina; Agula, Caesar; Jayson-Quashigah, Philip-Neri
• Is Part Of: SSM - population health. Volume 12(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-12
• Subjects: Anaemia -- Stunting -- Malnutrition -- Co-occurrence -- Spatial distribution -- Ghana; Social medicine -- Periodicals; Medical anthropology -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; Psychology -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; 362.105
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2020.100683
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-8273

Abstract

Abstract: Childhood anaemia and stunting are major public health concerns in Ghana. Using the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey, we evaluated whether childhood anaemia (Haemoglobin concentration < 110 g/L) and stunting (height-for-age z score < −2) co-occur beyond what is expected in Ghana, and employed spatial analysis techniques to determine if their co-occurrence is spatially correlated. There was no statistically significant difference between the observed and expected frequency of co-occurrence. Among 24–35 month and 36–59-month-old children, belonging to a high wealth household compared to low wealth household was associated with lower odds of the co-occurrence of childhood anaemia and stunting (OR, 95% CI: 0.3[0.1, 0.8] and 0.2[0.1, 0.5], respectively). Children aged 6–23 months with caregivers who had formerly been in union compared to their counterparts with caregivers who have never been in union had higher odds of co-occurrence of anaemia and stunting (5.1, [1.1, 24.3]). Overall, households with high wealth and having a mother with secondary or more education were associated with lower odds of the co-occurrence of childhood anaemia and stunting (OR, 95% CI: 0.4[0.2, 0.8] and 0.5[0.3, 0.9], respectively). There was substantial spatial clustering of co-occurrence, particularly in the northern region of the country. Interventions purposed to improve linear growth and anaemia must identify the specific factors or context which contribute to childhood anaemia and stunting. Highlights: Childhood anaemia and stunting are serious public health issues in Ghana. There is an association between household wealth and mother's education, and the co-occurrence of anaemia and stunting. Co-occurrence of anaemia and stunting is spatially distributed. These findings suggest cause specific approaches to addressing anaemia and stunting.