RELATIVE SPOUSAL STATUS AND CHILD HEALTH IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA: The Case of Ghana

This research examines the relationship between gender relations and decisions regarding child health and investigates the hypothesis that, in sub-Saharan Africa, the health of children is hampered by low levels of female autonomy. Using data from Ghana's 1988 Demographic and Health Survey, the findings provide no support for a gender relations theory, suggesting that the relative power of spouses may not be as relevant in health and mortality decisions as it is in fertility.