The Effect of Socio-Economic Factors on the Health Indicators in Yemen

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the effect of socio-economic factors on health indicators of children living in rural areas, poor families and households with no flush toilets. A sample of Yemeni children was determined by size 12542 children aged under 5 years that was taken from the raw data of Household Budget Survey (HBS) 2005/2006 in Yemen. Height-for-age z score (HAZ), Weight-for-height z score (WHZ), and Weight-for-age z score (WAZ) indicators were used to determine the health of children, by applying logistic multiple regression and chi square regression. The study revealed that stunting (HAZ) was found in 31.5% of the children while 11.6% were underweight (WAZ), and 4.9% were wasted (WHZ). In addition, risk of stunting, wasting, and underweighting were significantly at higher risk among males. Also, children at the highest wealth index or middle had a lower risk of stunting or wasting and underweighting, respectively. Children who belong to households with no water systems and to households with no flush toilet at higher risk from stunting and underweighting, respectively.

Key words: HAZ, WHZ, WAZ, Chi square, Logistic regression analysis