Association between health insurance membership and anaemia among children under-five years. Evidence from Ghana.

Abstract

IntroductionAnaemia is prevalent among children in developing countries. The main objective of this study was to assess the association between health insurance membership and anaemia among Ghanaian children under-five years.MethodsWe obtained Ghana's Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey, 2011 dataset from the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund. Data were analyzed with the aid of Stata/IC, version 15.ResultsThe prevalence of anaemia among Ghanaian children under-five years was estimated to be 57%. Majority (73%) of the children were not insured. Health insurance membership was found to be a significant predictor of anaemia among children under-five years.ConclusionHealth insurance membership is a protective factor against anaemia among children under-five years. In the quest to eradicate anaemia among children, stakeholders would have to review the benefit package of the National Health Insurance Scheme coupled with prioritizing anaemia prevention interventions among more vulnerable children.