There are wide gaps in empirical information on socioeconomic determinants of malaria among children under five. The main objective of this study was to investigate the socioeconomic factors such as mother’s education level, wealth of household, age of child, employment status and gender of child among other variables to establish how they influence malaria in children under five years of age.
Initially a proportional cross-sectional analysis was conducted using the 2013/14 Zambia demographic health survey report (ZDHS) data. The results of proportion of children who had malaria by their socioeconomic characteristics were highest among children aged 12-23 months with malaria of 27.1 percent prevalence levels while across child gender about 20.4 percent males and 21.6 percent females had malaria. In relation to mothers education highest proportions were observed among mothers with no education representing 24 percent with lowest 15percent for those with more than secondary school level of education. In terms of wealth the highest proportion was observed from second and lowest wealth quartile with 23.6 and 22.7 percent respectively while the lowest 17.6 percent was observed from those in the highest or richest level of wealth.
Then a probit regression analysis was done among selected socioeconomic factors and marginal effects where computed and presented in table 5, the probit regression show that a total of 9722 observations were analyzed and that if the average age of a child in months goes up by one unit, the probability of a child having malaria reduces by 0.078%. In terms of education mothers who have had no education increases the probability of a child having malaria by 3.22% holding other variable constant. This is a clear indication of the influences of socio economic factors on prevalence of malaria in children under five.
Table of Contents
1.0.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1.0 Background
1.2.0 Problem Statement
1.3.0 Justification
1.4.0 GENERAL OBJECTIVES
1.5.0 Specific Objective
1.6.0 Research Question
1.7.0 Hypotheses Statements
1.8.0 Scope of Study
1.9.0 Limitation
2.0.0 Literature review
2.1.0 Malaria in Zambia
2.2.0 Malaria transmission and illness
2.3.0 Factors associated with malaria illness
2.4.0 Conceptual Framework
3.0.0 Methodology
3.1.0 Sample design
3.2 Variable definition; table 2
3.3.0 Model estimation Technique
3.4.0 Justification for choice of probit model
4.0.0 FINDINGS
4.1.0 Introduction
4.2.0 Data presentation
4.2.1 Proportional presentation of malaria distribution across selected factors
4.3.0 Summary of Diagnostic Test
4.4.0 Probit Regression Model With Robust Standard Errors
4.5.0 Marginal effects of probit analysis
4.5.1 The extent of socioeconomic factors influence on malaria
4.6.0 Hypothesis testing
5.0.0 DISCUSSION
5.1.0 Socio economic factors influencing malaria among children under five
5.1.1 Statistically significant factors
5.1.2 Statistically insignificant factors
5.2.0 Conclusion
5.3.0 Recommendations
6.0.0 REFRENCE
Research Objectives and Topics
The primary goal of this research is to investigate the socioeconomic determinants of malaria incidence among children under the age of five in Zambia. By analyzing secondary data from the 2013/14 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey, the study seeks to quantify how factors such as maternal education, household wealth, and child age influence the probability of malaria occurrence.
- Socioeconomic determinants of malaria in children under five.
- The influence of maternal education and household wealth on malaria prevalence.
- Comparative analysis of malaria distribution across different socioeconomic statuses.
- Impact of child age and demographic factors on disease occurrence.
- Statistical modeling using probit regression to evaluate marginal effects.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1.0 Background
Malaria is an entrenched global health challenge particularly in the sub-Saharan African countries. An estimated 219 million cases of malaria and 660,000 malaria deaths occurred worldwide in 2010, (WHO: World malaria report, 2012). Approximately 80% of malaria episodes and 90% of the deaths were reported from the African continent according to the 2012 world malaria report. Endemic malaria results in tremendous economic losses annually and is a central element of the vicious cycle of poverty in many developing countries. International funding for malaria control rose to a peak of USD 1.84 billion in 2012,World malaria report (2012) . The world malaria report of 2011 shows an estimated 655,000 malaria deaths in the world, majority of which were under-five children from Africa . Thus, it remains a leading cause of death in children under five years (Sutcliffe CG, 2012). The World Health Organization and United Nations Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF, 2008) also indicate in the African Malaria Report that over 3,000 children die from malaria in Africa daily with a child dying every 30 seconds.
Malaria prevention and control in Zambia commenced in 1952. Since then great progress have been achieved, however, malaria still kills more children under the age of five than any other disease. It affects more than 4 million Zambians annually (UNICEF, 2008), causing 30% of outpatient visits resulting into about 8000 deaths each year. Under five children and pregnant women are most vulnerable with 35 to 50 percent child mortality and 20 percent maternal mortality, (Asenso-Okyere, 2003). Overall, the 2012 malaria indicator survey MIS shows that malaria parasite prevalence was 14.9% with more parasitaemia among children in rural areas (20.2%) compared to urban areas (13.7%). On average, parasitaemia prevalence peaked among children aged four years and was highest in Luapula province (32.1%) and in the lowest wealth quintile (27.4%), (MIS, 2012).
Summary of Chapters
1.0.0 INTRODUCTION: Provides the background and problem statement regarding malaria as a significant health burden in Zambia, highlighting the focus on children under five.
2.0.0 Literature review: Reviews existing literature on malaria transmission, the socioeconomic factors associated with the disease, and establishes the conceptual framework.
3.0.0 Methodology: Outlines the data source from the 2013/14 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey and describes the probit model used for analysis.
4.0.0 FINDINGS: Presents the proportional analysis and the results of the probit regression, detailing how socioeconomic variables influence malaria probability.
5.0.0 DISCUSSION: Interprets the statistical results, confirms the significant influence of socioeconomic factors, and provides policy recommendations.
Keywords
Malaria, Children under five, Zambia, Socioeconomic determinants, Probit regression, Maternal education, Household wealth, Public health, Disease prevalence, Demographic and Health Survey, Vector control, Parasitaemia, Child mortality, Health policy, Economic status.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this study?
The study investigates the socioeconomic factors that influence the incidence of malaria among children under five years old in Zambia.
What are the central thematic areas?
The research explores the impact of maternal education, household wealth, child age, and socioeconomic status on malaria prevalence.
What is the main objective of the research?
To analyze to what extent social and economic factors influence malaria episodes in households, establishing the probability of malaria occurrence in children under five.
Which scientific method is employed?
The study uses a probit regression analysis on secondary data obtained from the 2013/14 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey.
What does the main body cover?
It covers the background, literature review, methodology, data presentation, and the statistical analysis of variables influencing malaria.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Key terms include malaria, socioeconomic determinants, Zambia, probit regression, and under-five mortality.
How does maternal education impact malaria risk?
The findings indicate that mothers with no education increase the probability of a child having malaria, whereas higher education levels significantly reduce this risk.
What role does household wealth play?
The analysis suggests that poor households are more likely to have children with malaria, confirming that lower economic status is linked to higher disease vulnerability.
Is age a significant factor in malaria incidence?
Yes, the study shows that the probability of a child having malaria reduces as the child gets older within the under-five age group.
Did the study find regional differences significant?
While malaria is prevalent, the study highlights that individual and household socioeconomic conditions are more critical drivers of prevalence than geography alone.
- Quote paper
- Paul Mutale (Author), Patrick Mbewe (Author), 2017, Socioeconomic Determinants of Malaria among Children in Zambia, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/517311
