Child morbidity and treatment patterns

Which population groups suffer most from childhood illness?

By: Stallings RY
Published by: Measure DHS Deomographic and Health Surveys , 2004
Via: Eldis

This Measure DHS report on childhood illness and how it is treated focuses on three of the leading causes of death in early childhood: diarrhoea; acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI); and fever. It draws on District Health Surveys (DHS) in 52 developing countries. It reveals that, in most cases, living in an urban area, belonging to a wealthier household, and having a better-educated mother, all lower the chance of childhood illness. Urban residence, greater household wealth, and higher level of mother’s education are all associated with a greater probability of seeking advice or treatment from a health care provider for a child with fever or symptoms of ALRI.

Other findings include that children with diarrhoea in urban areas are more likely than their rural counterparts to be taken to a health care provider; and antibiotics continue to be widely used to treat diarrhoea, even though their use is usually not warranted and is discouraged because of concerns about increasing antibiotic resistance. The report suggests that the data discussed could inform and guide national and international efforts to reduce childhood illness by highlighting which countries, and groups within countries, would benefit most from health care interventions and extra resources.