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Investing in the Future: The Economic Costs of Child Malnutrition and the Role of Socioeconomic Determinants in Ethiopia

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  • Cherkos Meaza Gebregergis

    (University of Verona Quantitative Research Manager)

Abstract

In this research, I have studied the socioeconomic variations in the prevalence of stunting and underweight prevalence of child health in Ethiopia. Concerning the disparities in child malnutrition, the study sought to identify the key health factors that influence them using concentration index, concentration curve, and regression-based decomposition analysis. The relative and absolute gaps between various demographic and socioeconomic groups appear to have increased in Ethiopia, despite a notable decline in the mean of stunting and underweight prevalence. According to the empirical investigation, mothers’ educational level and household wealth benefited children with better socioeconomic positions, who were less likely to suffer from malnutrition. The difference in socioeconomic positions is the driving force towards the inequalities in child malnutrition. The empirical findings suggest that to reduce the disparities in child malnutrition, national health policy should promote mother literacy and target interventions for these underprivileged groups.

Suggested Citation

  • Cherkos Meaza Gebregergis, 2025. "Investing in the Future: The Economic Costs of Child Malnutrition and the Role of Socioeconomic Determinants in Ethiopia," Child Indicators Research, Springer;The International Society of Child Indicators (ISCI), vol. 18(1), pages 347-379, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:chinre:v:18:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s12187-024-10193-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s12187-024-10193-8
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