The Influence of Social Marginalization on the Health and Nutritional Status of Women
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Date
2001-10
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The impact of social marginalization on the health of certain ethnic minority
populations, particularly in women is a serious problem worldwide. However, its magnitude
and factors are not well explored in developing countries in general and in our context in
particular. Hence cross sectional, community based study with social group comparisons was
conducted in Koysha Development Area of ActionAid-Ethiopia between January and
December 2001. The study aimed at assessing the influence of social marginalization on the
health and nutritional status of women. The study particularly focused on the health and
nutritional status differences between the Manja and Malla social groups. All peasant
associations within AAE-Koysha development program area were represented in the survey.
The two study populations were stratified based on their social strata and selecting villages
using probability proportionate to size technique enabled us to identify the required numbers
of respondents. Data were collected using structured and pre-tested questionnaire, focus group
discussions, in depth interviews and anthropomery. Data entry and analysis were performed
using Epi Info and SPSS statistical software.
The utilization of services for reproductive health problems by minorities (Manja
social group) was low compared to the dominant Malla social group. There was a statistically
significant difference between the two social groups in the use of antenatal care [OR =
2.93(1.39,6.25)], median number of antenatal care visit (p<0.05), and birth attended by
trained traditional birth attendants or health professionals [OR = 4.61(1.75,13.17)]. The study
also revealed that Mnaja women were at a reproductive health and nutrition disadvantage than
their counterparts including, history of spontaneous abortions [OR = 1.71(1.08,2.72)], too
many pregnancies [OR = 1.97(1.33,2.91)], grand multiparty [OR = 1.63(1.09,2.42)], and
nutritional status as measured by MUAC <22.5cm [OR=3.34(2.05,5.39)].
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From the study it is concluded that Manja mothers are discriminated in many aspects
of social, economic and political processes. Manja mothers are at a greater risk of
reproductive health and malnutrition (with regard to undernutrition) compared to the majority
Malla social group. Scaling up of interventions to improve the livelihood of socially
marginalised groups (Manja) in general and women in particular by all pro poor partners,
including AAE is an area that needs to be emphasized in the future
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Keywords
Social Marginalization, Health of certain ethnic minority populations