Analysis of out-of-pocket expenses in the face of the disease of children under 5 according to their poverty status in Paraguay

Abstract

Introduction:

Reducing poverty, reducing the mortality of children under 5 years (<5 years) and achieving universal health coverage are part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Objective:

to determine the out-of-pocket health expenditure (GBS) for the disease of <5 years and its economic impact on households according to their poverty status in Paraguay.

Material and Method:

the 2014 Permanent Household Survey was analyzed, considering the official definition of poverty and the reference of illness or accident in a quarter. The average of GBS per household, the incidence on quarterly monetary income (IM), on state subsidies for poverty (IS) and the equivalent of feeding (EA) were calculated.

Results:

Among non-poor households: 41.1% (CI 37.3 to 45.0) had at least 1 <5 years ill or injured, of which 76.6% (CI 71.5 to 81.0) had GBS , being on average 223,455 Gs. (DE 37,445). The medications were 68.9% (CI 61.7 to 76.1) of the total. The IM was 1.7% (CI 1.1 to 2.3). Among poor households: 50.0% (CI 44.7 to 52.2) had at least 1 <5 years ill or injured, of which 71.2% (CI 64.7 to 76.9) had GBS, being in average 125,545 Gs. (DE 14,749). The medications were 77.5% (CI 69.2 to 85.7) of the total. The IM was 4.0% (CI 2.3 to 5.8). The IS was 54,6% (IC 13,0 a 96,2) and the EA was the equivalent of 7 days of feeding on average (SD 1.5).

Conclusion:

Given the challenges of the SDGs, Paraguay requires greater financial protection in health for children under 5 years, through synergies of poverty reduction and health policies.