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Maternal employment and household healthcare utilisation: the role of ICT

Author

Listed:
  • David Kofi Ampah

    (Cape Coast Technical University)

  • Francis Kwaw Andoh

    (University of Cape Coast)

  • Ferdinand Ahiakpor

    (University of Cape Coast)

Abstract

In the era of digitalisation, understanding the transformative role of ICT in shaping the relationship between maternal employment and household healthcare utilisation is of paramount importance. This study therefore examines the nexus among maternal employment, ICT and healthcare utilisation using round seven of the Ghana Living Standards Survey (GLSS 7). Our findings indicate that whilst mothers’ employment tends to be negatively associated with household healthcare utilisation especially for rural households, the use of smartphones is linked to a positive relationship between maternal employment and healthcare utilisation. For urban households, having ICT skills was found to be associated with a positive relationship between maternal employment and healthcare utilisation but not smartphones use. Our findings underscore the relevance of the expansion of ICT services and training particularly for working mothers. Bridging the digital divide is crucial to empower mothers and ensure equitable access to healthcare regardless of employment status. Additionally, strengthening the National Health Insurance scheme is essential to guarantee affordability and increase healthcare utilisation.

Suggested Citation

  • David Kofi Ampah & Francis Kwaw Andoh & Ferdinand Ahiakpor, 2024. "Maternal employment and household healthcare utilisation: the role of ICT," SN Business & Economics, Springer, vol. 4(10), pages 1-27, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:snbeco:v:4:y:2024:i:10:d:10.1007_s43546-024-00710-w
    DOI: 10.1007/s43546-024-00710-w
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Healthcare utilisation; Maternal employment; Inverse-probability weighted regression adjustment; Entropy balancing; ICT;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D13 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Household Production and Intrahouse Allocation
    • I11 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Analysis of Health Care Markets
    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes

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