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Sex differences in health indicators among children in African DHS surveys

Michel Garenne1

  • 1IRD, Paris, France.

Journal of Biosocial Science
|November 19, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Boys face higher mortality and malnutrition risks in sub-Saharan Africa, despite similar health-seeking behaviors compared to girls. This suggests biological factors may explain these disparities in child health outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Demography
  • Child Health
  • Sex Differences in Health

Background:

  • Sub-Saharan Africa faces significant child mortality and malnutrition challenges.
  • Understanding sex-based disparities in child health is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze sex differences in child health outcomes and healthcare-seeking behaviors in sub-Saharan Africa.
  • To investigate potential biological versus behavioral factors contributing to observed sex disparities.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of data from World Fertility Surveys (WFS) and Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) in sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Comparison of observed sex ratios in mortality and malnutrition against theoretical distributions.
  • Examination of health-seeking behaviors: vaccination, oral rehydration therapy, and breastfeeding duration.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences were found in health-seeking behaviors (vaccination, ORT, breastfeeding) between boys and girls.
  • Mortality rates were consistently higher for boys across age groups: neonates (+28%), 1-12 months (+8%), and 1-4 years (+4%).
  • Malnutrition prevalence was also higher among boys (+5%).

Conclusions:

  • Observed differences in child mortality and malnutrition between sexes, contrasted with similar health-seeking behaviors, suggest a biological basis for these disparities.
  • Biological factors likely play a significant role in the higher mortality and malnutrition rates observed in boys in sub-Saharan Africa.

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