Socioeconomic status of household and child morbidity in Armenia

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of socioeconomic status on children’s health in Armenia using case-cohort design. The evaluation of socioeconomic status will be done on the basis of the PAROS system of household vulnerability assessment. Cases and controls will be selected from the same initial cohort of households registered in 1995 in the PAROS database. As an indicator of morbidity, the hospitalization for children 5-8 years of age will be taken. The proportion of exposed cases and controls will be estimated using the PAROS 1997 database that contains 63% of 1995 database. Analysis of the potential association between socioeconomic status and child morbidity will be done by calculation of odds ratios controlling for possible confounders. Intensity or “dose” of exposure will be considered and relative odds of diseases associated with each level of exposure will be estimated. In Armenia, 33% of children under 7 years of age are considered to be poor and this could have serious negative consequences for the future. No research studies have been done in the Republic regarding this issue. The finding of this study will help to raise concern about the health status of poor children and will improve direct medical care for this part of the population.