Research Articles (Statistics & Population Studies)

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An assessment of the age reporting in Tanzania population census
(Academic Research Publishing, 2012) Mwambene, Eric; Appunni, Sathiya Susuman; Hamisi, Hamisi F.; Lougue, Siaka; Regassa, Nigatu; Ogujiuba, Kanayo
The objective of this paper is to provide data users with a worldwide assessment of the age reporting in the Tanzania Population Census 2012 data. Many demographic and socio-economic data are age-sex attributed. However, a variety of irregularities and misstatements are noted with respect to age-related data and sex ratio data because of its biological differences between the genders. Noting the misstatement / misreporting, inconsistence of age data regardless of its significant importance in demographic and epidemiological studies, this study assess the quality of the 2012 Tanzania Population and Housing Census data relative to age. Data were downloaded from Tanzania National Bureau of Statistics. Age heaping and digit preference were measured using summary indices viz., Whipple‟s index, Myers‟ blended index, and Age-Sex Accuracy index. The recorded Whipple‟s index for both sexes was 154.43, where males had the lower index of about 152.65 while females had the higher index of about 156.07. For Myers‟ blended index, the prefrences were at digits „0‟ and „5‟ while avoidance were at digits „1‟ and „3‟ for both sexes. Finally, the age-sex index stood at 59.8 where the sex ratio score was 5.82, and the age ratio scores were 20.89 and 21.4 for males and female respectively. The evaluation of the 2012 Population Housing Censes data using the demographic techniques has qualified the data as of poor quality as a result of systematic heaping and digit preferences/avoidances in recorded age. Thus, innovative methods in data collection along with measuring and minimizing errors using statistical techniques should be used to ensure accuracy of age data.
Associated risk factors of STIs and multiple sexual relationships among youths in Malawi
(PLoS, 2015) Appunni, Sathiya Susuman; Ningpuanyeh, Wilson Chialepeh
Having unprotected sex with multiple sexual partners (MSP) is the greatest risk factor for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among youths. Young people with MSPs are less likely to use a condom and the greater the risk for STIs. This study examines the associated risk factors of STIs and multiple sexual partnerships among youths aged 15–24 years. The Malawi Demographic Health Survey 2010 data was used. Out of a sample of 2,987 males and 9,559 females aged 15–24 years, 2,026 males and 6,470 females were considered in the study. Chi square test and logistic regression techniques were performed. Analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.
Child mortality rate in Ethiopia
(Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 2012) Appunni, Sathiya Susuman
Ethiopia’s childhood mortality has continued to decline although at a swift pace. The drop in urban childhood mortality decline, duration of breastfeeding is the principle reason for the overall decline in mortality trends in Ethiopia. Data from the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys 2000 and 2005 were used. Indirect estimation of Brass and Trussell’s methods were adopted. Selected demographic and socio-economic variables were included in the analysis with statistically significant effects. Findings clearly show neonatal and post neonatal mortality decline gradually. Even though, Ethiopia’s childhood mortality rates are still high. The result shows less than 2 years birth interval have higher infant mortality rates than higher birth interval (113 deaths per 1000). The proper spacing of births allows more time for childcare to make more maternal resources available for the care of the child and mother. Therefore, further research is urgent for regional level and national level investigation.
A comparative analysis of contraceptive use in Africa: evidence from DHS
(SAGE Publications, 2016) Stiegler, Nancy; Appunni, Sathiya Susuman
The aim of this article is to show a comparative analysis of contraceptive use in areas of traditionally high fertility that have gone through profound changes. Data have been taken from the latest Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS). Logistic regression models were adopted for four selected representative countries, namely Egypt, Mali, Namibia and Niger. There were two selection criteria: data should be recent, and selected countries should have high (Egypt 57.4%; Namibia 46.4%) or low (Mali 7.5%; Niger 10.0%) contraceptive use. The probability of using contraception when a woman has had one to four children is 2.4 times higher than when they have had no children. Contraception data are always gathered at a point of time, but crosssectional data are not sufficient to understand all the mechanisms hidden behind contraceptive use. Different contraceptive behaviours need good estimation tools to develop specific family planning programmes.
Correlates of antenatal and postnatal care among tribal women in India
(Kamla-Raj Enterprises, 2012) Appunni, Sathiya Susuman
It is well established that those women who undergo full antenatal care check-up and give birth in a medical institution or whose delivery is attended by trained paramedical persons promotes child survival and reduces maternal mortality. In the light of the above, an attempt is made in this paper to relate the socio-economic and demographic characteristics of the currently married Schedule Tribes’ women in eight districts of Chhatisgarh with factors associated with antenatal and postnatal care. Data for this study were taken from District Level Household Survey on Reproductive and Child Health (DLHSRCH 2002), a representative sample of 1569 Scheduled Tribes’ currently married women aged 15-44, residing in eight districts of Chhatisgarh. Adjusted effects (odds ratios) analysis has been used to find out the effects of antenatal and post-natal care on institutional delivery in Chhatisgarh. It is observed that majority of the Scheduled Tribes’ women, about 84 percent, have a low standard of living. Also, 74 per cent of the Scheduled Tribes’ women are illiterate. The finding of the adjusted effects (odds ratio) shows that giving birth in the medical institution for the Scheduled Tribes’ women who received full antenatal check up is 2.5 times higher than those women who did not receive any antenatal check-up. It suggests that majority of the currently married Scheduled Tribe women have low standard of living there is a need to improve their economic standard so that they can fulfill their basic needs.
Correlates of early sexual debut and its associated STI/HIV risk factors among sexually active youths in Malawi
(SAGE Publications, 2017) Ningpuanyeh, Wilson Chialepeh; Appunni, Sathiya Susuman
This study explores the correlates of early sexual debut and risk factors of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among the youth in Malawi. Data was obtained from the Malawi Demographic Health Survey 2010. Out of a sample of 2987 males and 9559 females aged 15–24 years, 1405 males and 5217 females were considered. Chi-square and multivariate analysis was performed and findings presented by gender. The results indicate that females aged 15–19 years (OR=4.18), who were Muslims (OR=1.42), with no education (OR=3.99), were significantly more likely to initiate sexual debut early. Meanwhile, males aged 15–19 years (OR=3.50), from the northern region (OR=2.35) and of the Chewa ethnic group (OR=1.45) were significantly more likely to initiate sexual debut early. Muslims males (OR=0.57), from the poorest (OR=0.69) households were significantly less likely to initiate sexual debut early. Females who initiate sex earlier form a distinct risk group in this study. Specific intervention is therefore needed for young females in their early teen years before they initiate sexual debut.
Correlates of infant and child mortality in Ethiopia 2005
(University of the Western Cape, 2010) Appunni, Sathiya Susuman
INTRODUCTION: Risk of mortality prevails for children with shorter birth interval since their mothers are likely to have poor health. AIM: The aim of the study is to determine the indirect estimation of infant and child mortality in Ethiopia. MEHTODS: The data sources for this study are the 2005 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS).Cox's model is used to assess the association between childhood mortality, and selected socio-economic and demographic variables. Results: The study findings show that childhood mortality declined by 35% during the last five years in Ethiopia, infant mortality declined by 21% and under-five mortality declined by 26%. Mortality rates are still high, however, birth interval, breastfeeding and birth order reflect strong mortality decline in many regions. Birth order, mother's age at childbirth, length of pervious and subsequent birth intervals, and mortality of an older sibling all have large effects on infant and child mortality. Among health interventions strongly associated with reduced childhood mortality. CONCLUSION: It is thus recommended that further research is needed at regional level as well as national level investigation. As per the study, findings can be used as the basis for a number of policy recommendations.
Factors affecting the enrolment rate of students in Higher Education Institutions in the Gauteng province, South Africa
(SAGE, 2018) Matsolo, Mpho Joyce; Ningpuanyeh, Wilson Chialepeh; Appunni, Sathiya Susuman
The purpose of this research is to investigate and analyse higher education institutions' enrolment and drop-out rates within the Gauteng province, South Africa. Large-scale secondary data from the General Household Survey, obtained from Statistics South Africa (2012) were used. This study's findings show that finance, orphan-hood, transport to the higher education institutions and, to a lesser extent, unplanned pregnancies, are some of the main factors that affect the enrolment rate of students. This study hopes to be useful to policy-makers, research managers and other decision-makers within the higher education (HE) landscape.
Improving maternal and reproductive health in Ethiopia
(Sage Publications, 2017) Lailulo, Yishak Abraham; Appunni, Sathiya Susuman; Blignaut, Renette
This study aimed to examine the relationship between maternal health and good quality of life in an attempt to understand the years between 2005 and 2011. Data from the Ethiopia Demographic and Health Surveys 2005 and 2011 were used. Bivariate, Camer-V, chi-square and logistic regression analyses were used to determine the relative contribution of the predictor variables. The hypotheses tested in this study were that gender, wealth quintile, type of place of residence and region are highly significant with women’s education and work status. Females’ expected age (adjusted odds ratio = AOR) for some school training has dropped in 2011 from 0.678 to 0.255 for the age group 25–34, but male expected age (AOR) for some school has increased in 2011 from 0.784 to 2.274. The age of the respondent, age at first cohabitation and socio-economic variables were positively associated with having visited health facilities in the last 12 months and being visited by a family planning worker.
Is millennium development goal 4 achievable in Tanzania?
(WB Saunders, 2013) Appunni, Sathiya Susuman; Hamisi, Hamisi F.
Introduction: This paper will focus on MDG4, which is concerned with reducing child mortality. Childhood mortality rates are the leading indicator of the level of child health and overall development of a country; and MDG4 aims to reduce the childhood mortality rate by two-thirds by 2015. The target is to reduce the number of children dying before 5 years of age from 93 per 1000 in 1990 to 31 per 1000 in 2015. Thus, MDG4 aims to reduce under-five mortality rates and infant mortality rates, which could be achieved by increasing the proportion of 12-month-old children who are immunized against measles, BCG, DPT, etc.
Is Swaziland on track with the 2015 millennium development goals?
(SAGE Publications, 2017) Appunni, Sathiya Susuman
According to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) agreement, each participating country has to periodically provide a report that will show the progress on their achievement towards the goals. This article’s aim is to evaluate Swaziland’s prospects of achieving eight MDGs by 2015. This article is an analysis of the current situation of Swaziland, and the aim of this analysis is to look beyond the statistical values to see if the achievements (including lifetime achievements) are on track and whether what is yet to be achieved can really be achieved. Secondary information was collected from various sources. Several countries and organizations have committed themselves to the following eight development goals: (1) eradicate extreme poverty; (2) achieve universal primary education; (3) promote gender equality and empower women; (4) reduce child mortality; (5) improve maternal health; (6) combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases; (7) ensure environmental sustainability; and (8) develop a global partnership for development. National development is dependent on many factors; therefore, different countries across the world have adopted the MDGs as means of alleviating many of the social ills hindering progress and development. Based on different sources, Swaziland is on track with its MDGs, and there is no doubt that Swaziland will continue to work hard to these ends. It has been argued that there has been progress made that has resulted in significant changes to people’s lives, but the question that has to be asked is how long these achievements can realistically last. A reduction of the rate of child mortality, maternal mortality and HIV/AIDS in Swaziland are needed.
Maternal mortality in Burkina Faso: a method from population census 2006
(Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 2013) Lougue, Siaka; Appunni, Sathiya Susuman; Bonkoungou, Zakaliyat
Background: Estimating maternal mortality level is constantly challenging researchers and planners both in rich and poor countries. In developing countries, particularly in Burkina Faso where the registration system is not working properly, censuses and surveys are the main providers of maternal mortality estimates. However, censuses provide more reliable data about maternal mortality especially at sub-national level. Strength of this situation, the census 2006 of Burkina Faso collected information about maternal mortality. Unfortunately, the census also under reported the phenomenon. In this regard, a methodology was developed to provide adjusted estimates of the phenomenon. Methods: This paper aims to assess the census 2006 estimates of maternal mortality through a critical review of the questionnaire, data quality, adjustment technique and outputs. Incoherencies, duplicated cases and missing data were the key aspects of the data quality assessment. The assumptions and outputs of the method were examined and comparison made with existent estimates. Results: Findings highlighted weaknesses regarding the assumptions of the method and showed that the levels of the phenomenon were still under-estimated. In this research, propositions have been made concerning data cleaning, situations of adjustment coefficients less than 1 and the problem of weak assumptions. Findings led to a MMRatio of 331 [293-402] maternal deaths per 100 000 live births. Conclusion: The level of maternal mortality as published in the census 2006 report (MMRatio of 307) is acceptable because falling in the range 293-402. However, the questionnaire, data and method used needed improvements.
Mental health services in Ethiopia: emerging public health
(WB Saunders, 2011) Appunni, Sathiya Susuman
Summary: Objectives: Examine the mental health issues in Ethiopia in relation to services offered in this direction. Study Design: Retrospective. Methods: Results of the 2005 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey and other secondary data sources were explore dimensions of to understand the mental health issues. Results: The average prevalence of mental disorders in Ethiopia was 18 % for adults and 15% for children. People are now more than ever aware of the importance of mental health. Families now do not need much agitation to seek medical help for their mentally ill members. Unfortunately, the mental health services are available only in Addis Ababa the capital city of Ethiopia. By consequence, a large number of the adolescent is homeless, and lives on the street. Low status of women in Ethiopia underpins and often directly undermines utilization of reproductive health services. Even though, the policy makers or research managers are giving more importance to the reproductive health issues. But, mental health services are emerging issues which determines the development goals of the country. Conclusion: A critical requirement for the mental health promotion is to have information, increase mental health services, trained skilled workers, education and self-confidence to access available services. The key policy rapid actions needed.
Proximate determinants of fertility in Ethiopia: comparative analysis of the 2005 and 2011 DHS
(SAGE Publications, 2017) Lailulo, Yishak Abraham; Appunni, Sathiya Susuman
Fertility is one of the elements in population dynamics that makes a significant contribution towards changing population size and structure over time. In Ethiopia, for the last 10 years the total fertility rate (TFR) has declined slightly from 5.5 to 4.8 children in 2011. But, the TFR in urban areas has increased from 2.4 to 2.6 per 1000 live births. The Bongaarts model was applied to estimate the indices of the four main proximate determinants of fertility. Bongaarts defines the TFR of a population as a function of the total fecundity rate (TF), index of marriage (Cm), index of contraception (Cc), index of postpartum infecundability (Ci), and index of abortion (Ca); this can be written as TFR = Cm × Cc × Ci × Ca × TF. In 2005, the index of married women in urban areas was lower than rural, but it was unfortunately the same in urban and rural areas in 2011. For the last decade, the index of postpartum infecundability had a great fertility reduction effect compared with the contraception index and marriage index in rural Ethiopia. The lower the four indices of proximate determinants, the more fertility will be reduced. As such, the Ethiopian government, international non-governmental organizations and policy-makers must pay attention to increase the prevalence of contraceptive use and educate society to fight against child marriage. Permanent contraceptive use, such as female sterilization, should be promoted; moreover, legal organizations and the community must work together to raise the legal age of marriage to 18 years.
Son preference and contraceptive practice among tribal groups in rural South India
(Kamla-Raj Enterprises, 2006) Appunni, Sathiya Susuman
This paper examines the son preference and contraceptive practice among tribal groups in rural south India. Parents’ preferences for the sex of their children have constituted an important theme in population and social research over the past three decades. Data were collected from a household survey of 398 currently married women of reproductive age group (15-49) from four taluks in the Nilgiris District of rural Tamilnadu are selected with respect to the different tribal communities. Cross tabulation and logistic regression analysis was carried out for finding out relationships between the socio-economic, demographic variables on contraceptive practice. The use of contraceptive practice by tribal groups in rural areas is strongly linked to individual and household socio-economic and demographic variables. Findings shows that the expectation that a son will provide financial support in old age is strongly associated with the response that a son is important. Son preference is slightly more among the tribal women, particularly among the users of spacing method who are more among those preferring the sons. Some of the socio-economic variables like education of husband and occupation have shown negative influence on higher fertility and positive influence on contraceptive use among the tribal women. It is proposed that there is need for more comprehensive on tribes in different areas in state and in the Indian nation to explicitly bring out the son preference attitudes of tribal people, which have an impact on their fertility and family planning practices.
Trends and risk factors for childhood diarrhea in sub-Saharan countries (1990 2013): assessing the neighborhood inequalities
(Co-Action Publishing, 2016) Bado, Aristide R.; Appunni, Sathiya Susuman; Nebie, Eric I.
BACKGROUND: Diarrheal diseases are a major cause of child mortality and one of the main causes of medical consultation for children in sub-Saharan countries. This paper attempts to determine the risk factors and neighborhood inequalities of diarrheal morbidity among under-5 children in selected countries in sub- Saharan Africa over the period 1990 2013. DESIGN: Data used come from the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) waves conducted in Burkina Faso (1992 93, 1998 99, 2003, and 2010), Mali (1995, 2001, 2016, and 2012), Nigeria (1990, 1999, 2003, 2008, and 2013), and Niger (1992, 1998, 2006, and 2012). Bivariate analysis was performed to assess the association between the dependent variable and each of the independent variables. Multilevel logistic regression modelling was used to determine the fixed and random effects of the risk factors associated with diarrheal morbidity. RESULTS: The findings showed that the proportion of diarrheal morbidity among under-5 children varied considerably across the cohorts of birth from 10 to 35%. There were large variations in the proportion of diarrheal morbidity across countries. The proportions of diarrheal morbidity were higher in Niger compared with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Nigeria. The risk factors of diarrheal morbidity varied from one country to another, but the main factors included the child's age, size of the child at birth, the quality of the main floor material, mother's education and her occupation, type of toilet, and place of residence. The analysis shows an increasing trend of diarrheal inequalities according to DHS rounds. In Burkina Faso, the value of the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.04 for 1993 DHS and 0.09 in 2010 DHS; in Mali, the ICC increased from 0.04 in 1995 to 0.16 in 2012; in Nigeria, the ICC increased from 0.13 in 1990 to 0.19 in 2013; and in Niger, the ICC increased from 0.07 in 1992 to 0.11 in 2012.
Under-5 Mortality in Tanzania: a demographic scenario
(Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 2012) Appunni, Sathiya Susuman; Hamisi, Hamisi F.
Background: The government of the United Republic of Tanzania has initiated the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness program to improve the health and wellbeing of children. Methods: Tanzania’s under-five mortality rate is still 1.7 times higher than the world average and, in order to achieve its Millennium Development Goal 4 target, its annual reduction rate is quite low at 2.2. The main aim of the study is to examine under-five mortality combined with the Data from the Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey 2008 data was used. Odds ratios for infant and under-five mortality were estimated using logistic regression; crude and adjusting models were adopted. Results: Mortality cases (18.3%) have been reported to children born with an interval of <24 months. Mothers with no education reported 14.6%, primary education mothers reported 11.1% and higher education reported only 5.3% (P<0.001). Therefore, maternal education plays is a major role on fertility and infant and under-five mortality behavior. Conclusion: Maternal education also influences a mother’s behavior in her usage of available health services to improve the health of the children. Further in-depth analysis is immensely needed in this situation.
Understanding issues of people living with disabilities in South Africa
(SAGE Publications, 2013) Appunni, Sathiya Susuman; Blignaut, Renette; Lougue, Siaka
The problem of disabilities is growing all over the world. Nevertheless, some progress has been made since the year 1981 was proclaimed International Year of Disabled Persons. In 2001 people living with disabilities accounted for 5% of the South African population. Because of their disabilities or the perception society has regarding their potential, this population is mostly economically inactive. This study assesses the relationship between disabilities and the adverse socio-economic impacts. Both descriptive and logistics regression models are used to understand the problem by exploring the data of the 2006 South African General Household Survey. The overall people living with disabilities and aged 15–49 years is estimated at 1742 (961 males and 780 females), when exploring people with disabilities findings reveal that the Western Cape Province’s disabled are mostly affected by physical disabilities (40%). People living with disabilities are 3.5 times (p < 0.01) more likely to suffer from illness/injuries (flu, tuberculosis (TB) and severe cough, diarrhea, blood pressure and HIV/AIDS) than others. Therefore, the study aims to contribute to a better condition of people living with disabilities in South Africa by informing and possibly changing the public perception about them.
Vulnerable diseases affecting child mortality in Sierra Leone: emerging health issue
(SAGE Publications, 2012) Davids, Saarah F.; Appunni, Sathiya Susuman; Abduraghiem, Latief
Child mortality in Sierra Leone is the highest ranked in the world. The main causes for child mortality are maternal factors, environmental factors and health factors. Minimal research has been carried out on health factors in Sierra Leone. The objective of this study is to see how maternal and environmental factors have an effect on health factors, which in turn cause child mortality. The data used were from the 2008 Sierra Leone Demographic and Household Survey (SLDHS). The study showed that child mortality had statistically significant factors associated with it: place of residence, birth number, religion and type of toilet facility. Furthermore, the SLDHS had not given much information regarding the cause of diseases affecting children, so we looked only at the effects they had on children. Acute respiratory infections, diarrhoea and measles each had one variable that was statistically significant. As for pneumonia, there were no variables associated with children contracting the disease.
Work participation and disabilities in India
(Kamla-Raj Enterprises, 2009) Appunni, Sathiya Susuman; Deshpande, A.P.
United Nations General Assembly in 1976 proclaimed 1981 as the International Year of the Disable Persons. Persons with disabilities are enthusiastic to overcome the social and economic barriers. In the present paper an attempt is made to study the work participation rates among disables in India by using Census of India 2001 data. It is observed that in India out of 1.03 billion populations about 2.1 per cent population is of disable persons. Out of these about 75 percent of population lives in rural areas. Out of total disabled about 49 per cent have the disability in seeing followed by disability in movement. Work participation among disabilities in India is about 35 per cent, males’ participation being double than those of the females. The work participation among the general population is higher than that among disables. The study therefore, concludes the need to increase the work participation among disables especially among females.

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