Inequalities in adolescent girls’ nutrition, education, and health care in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, India, and Nigeria

Abstract

Poor nutrition during adolescence can undermine current and future health, well-being, schooling, and productivity, particularly among socioeconomically disadvantaged girls. We analysed wealth and schooling-related inequalities among adolescent girls in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, India, and Nigeria. Using data from Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), we calculated the Erreygers Index (EI) for low body mass index (BMI), anaemia, completed primary education, and health care. The patterns of socioeconomic inequalities differed among countries. Adolescent girls from relatively higher economic groups and with better education had better nutrition, education, and health care outcomes across countries. EI by wealth for a low BMI ranged from −0.059 to −0.095; anaemia ranged from −0.043 to −0.088. Nutritional status inequalities by wealth varied less than inequalities in schooling. EI by wealth for primary school completion ranged from 0.166 to 0.646 and EI for 4 or more ANC visits from 0.211 to 0.315. Substantial differences were found in inequalities within countries. The underlying reasons for inequalities need to be studied and investments should be made to implement targeted interventions for improving the current and future development and well-being of adolescent girls.

Keywords

• Adolescent girls
• inequality
• nutrition
• education
• health coverage
• low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)