Investigating inequalities in low birth weight for under-five children in Lesotho
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Date
2023-10-09
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National University of Lesotho
Abstract
Underweight children, especially those with low birth weight (LBW), tend to face several
health challenges as they grow such as chronic illnesses; school dropouts; or even death. It
may not be shocking that Lesotho as one of the most unequal societies in Sub-Saharan Africa
(SSA) experiences inequality in health outcomes like LBW. Prior to this study, studies in
Lesotho only focused on the drivers of LBW. This study, therefore, contributes by
investigating the socio-economic inequalities in LBW for under-five children in Lesotho. It
goes further to determine which population sub-group is the most affected by the inequality
in LBW. The study used the Erreygers Index to measure the inequality, and then estimated
the Recentered Influence Function (RIF-OB) approach to decompose the LBW inequality by
areas of residence. It found that inequality in LBW does exist amongst under-five children in
Lesotho and it appears to be more focused towards the rural areas. It also found that antenatal
care visits and wealth status have been key drivers of LBW inequality in Lesotho. The study
concludes by recommending possible remedies to help mitigate the incidence of LBW and its
associated consequences.
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Keywords
Decomposition, inequality, Journal of Economic Literature (JEL), classification codes, Lesotho, lowbirth weight, socio-economic status