Child Poverty in Uganda: Analysis of the UNHS 2009/2010 Survey

Type Journal Article - American Journal of Sociological Research
Title Child Poverty in Uganda: Analysis of the UNHS 2009/2010 Survey
Author(s)
Volume 3
Issue 2
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2013
Page numbers 36-45
URL http://article.sapub.org/10.5923.j.sociology.20130302.04.html
Abstract
Understanding the extent and characteristics of child poverty in Uganda is vital for policy and programs aimed at addressing it. In addition, child poverty eradication would lead to all children enjoying their rights, reaching their full potential and to participating as full members of society. Data used in this study were from the Uganda National Household Survey – 2009/2010. Although this was a national survey covering 6,800 households, this paper utilizes data from 20,045 children of age18 years and younger, to provide analyses of child poverty in Uganda. In the analysis, three logistic regression models were estimated, predicting the odds of a child being severely deprived of education and health and finally falling below the poverty line. Child poverty was conceptualized both in its narrow definition to imply resource deprivation terms and was measured in relation to the proportion of children severely deprived of basic human needs including: education and health. On the other hand, the poverty line definition was adopted and used. The study shows that the proportion of children living below the poverty line was higher compared to the national average. In addition regional differences existed in the level of poverty: severity of education and health deprivation. The number of persons living in the household where a child was resident was directly associated with the likelihood of a child being poor. Other factors affecting the level of poverty among children included; rural-urban residence and sex of child.

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