Women empowerment and healthcare utilization for childhood illnesses: evidence from Ethiopia

Five million children <5 y of age died globally in 2021, the majority (56%) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Many of the deaths in children <5 y of age could be prevented through early detection and treatment. However, healthcare utilization for childhood illnesses remains low in the region. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between women empowerment and healthcare utilization for childhood illnesses.

The main predictor variable for this study was women's empowerment and the outcome variable was healthcare utilization for childhood illnesses. The data source for the study was the 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey dataset. Complex sample ordinal regression analysis was employed, controlling for confounders. Adjusted cumulative odds ratios (cuORs) and 95% confidence intervals were computed to estimate effect size.

A total of 2101 (weighted) cases of children <5 y of age were included in this study. Children whose mothers were empowered with a wife-beating attitude were 59% more likely to get healthcare for all illnesses in children <5 y of age (β=0.46, cuOR 1.59, p<0.01). Children whose mothers had no problems with healthcare access were also more likely to receive health services for all illnesses in children <5 y of age (β=0.42, cuOR 1.52, p=0.01).

Women's empowerment has a significant effect on healthcare utilization for illnesses in children <5 y of age. The finding indicates empowering women, sooner or later, is empowering the family.