Inequality and Child Survival in Kenya: A Probit Model Approach
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Date
2010Author
Gor, Seth Omondi
Type
PresentationLanguage
enMetadata
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In view of the low child survival rates in Kenya, conventional intervention has tended to focus
more on the delivery of various clinical and public health technologies to the neglect of
economic and psycho-social constraints that may restrict households from using the available
health facilities thereby predisposing the child to higher risks of mortality. One such constraint is
the distribution of income. But the extent to which income, income distribution or any of the
other probable constraints is critical for child survival is not known. This makes it difficult to
target financial and other resources appropriately.
The aim of the present study is to estimate welfare weights that can reveal the extent to which
household income distribution and other determinants are critical to child survival with a view
to facilitating improved targeting of healthcare resources. Using household survey data, the
study employs instrumental variable probit model to estimate parameters of an abbreviated
social welfare function. The probit index for child survival is computed and used to compare
child survival levels by province, given a certain income level, its distribution and the extent to
which certain basic needs are met in each province. Child survival probabilities are estimated
and reported by sex of the child for each of the provinces. Findings unravel the complex
channels through which income inequality is associated with child survival.
Citation
Seth Omondi Gor (2010). Inequality and Child Survival in Kenya: A Probit Model Approach. Paper Prepared for the 31st General Conference of The International Association for Research in Income and Wealth St. Gallen, Switzerland, August 22-28, 2010Publisher
School of Economics