The relationship between access to microfinance, health-seeking behaviour and health service uses: Evidence from Bangladesh

Bhuiya, Mohammad Monzur Morshed; Khanam, Rasheda; Rahman, Mohammad Mafizur; Nghiem, Son

doi:10.1016/j.eap.2018.08.004

Cited by 9 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…Additionally, microcredit can be a powerful vehicle for giving the poor more economic options as well as non-economic options such as health and education programs. Preferably, the poor would have access to a coordinated blend of microcredit and other development services to improve the education of children (Dunford 2002) and the health care services of the participants (Bhuiya, Khanam, Rahman and Nghiem, 2018). Now the question is how to maintain a coordinated combination of development services in rural areas where multiple services are simply unavailable.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microcredit participation and child schooling in rural Bangladesh: Evidence from a cross-sectional survey

Bhuiya

Khanam

Rahman

et al. 2019

Economic Analysis and Policy

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This paper investigates the impact of microcredit programs on child schooling in rural Bangladesh using cross-sectional data from 439 households across 20 villages of four districts of the country. A child's school outcomes are measured by school enrolment, school attendance and grade attainment (measured by the right grade for age). Our results reveal that participation in microcredit programs has a significant positive effect on school attendance but no effect on either school enrolment or grade attainment, suggesting that care should be taken in assessing the effectiveness of microcredit programs. Despite the fact that microcredit programs can alleviate poverty and contribute to the rural economy, these can also result in unintended consequences such as adverse effects on children's schooling.Policies aiming to improving the children's educational achievement in rural households should consider providing or enhancing subsidized educational stationery and meals besides providing free universal education among the children of microcredit participants.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microcredit participation and child schooling in rural Bangladesh: Evidence from a cross-sectional survey

Bhuiya

Khanam

Rahman

et al. 2019

Economic Analysis and Policy

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“…It is possible that if the men had been microfinance clients for a longer period of time they may have accrued enough resources to afford routine health services. In a study with women that found a positive association between microfinance participation and health-seeking behaviors (i.e., antenatal care), there was a stronger association with health-care seeking as duration of participation in the microfinance program increased (Bhuiya et al, 2018). Further studies for on male clients of microfinance should explore if similar health-seeking behavior exists among men who participate in microfinance programs for a longer period of time.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For example, access to credit through loans was associated with a reduction in depressive symptoms among men in South Africa (Fernald et al, 2008). To date most microfinance studies have focused on women and a positive association between microfinance participation and health-seeking behaviors (i.e., antenatal care) has been reported among women (Bhuiya et al, 2018; Leite et al, 2019; Mergenova et al, 2019). Only one randomized clinical trial targeting men has included microfinance as a part of combined microfinance and peer health leadership intervention to increase HIV testing among men (Kajula et al, 2016).…”

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confidence: 99%

Microfinance and Peer Health Leadership Intervention Implementation for Men in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: A Qualitative Assessment of Perceived Economic and Health Outcomes

et al. 2020

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Men in sub-Saharan Africa continue to experience health disparities that are exacerbated by low employment. This study qualitatively assessed men’s perceptions of the economic and health-care-seeking effects of participation in an integrated microfinance and peer health leadership intervention on violence and HIV risk reduction in Tanzania. Three focus group discussions with 27 men, aged 20 to 44 years, examined the perceived effects on income generation, employability, mental health, and uptake of HIV and related health services. All discussions were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using deductive and inductive coding methods. Men reported that the benefits of the intervention included increased employability and income-earning activities due to greater access to entrepreneurial training, low-interest microfinancing, and male-oriented group supports to start or strengthen their businesses. Increased wages through business or other forms of employment were also attributed to men’s lower anxiety and distress as financial providers for their families. However, men indicated that apart from the uptake of free HIV testing services, there was limited change in overall health-care-seeking behavior given the high clinic fees and lost time to earn income when attending routine health visits. Men recommended that future microfinance and health promotion interventions provide larger loan amounts, less frequent repayment intervals, and access to health and social insurance. Microfinance and peer health leadership interventions may help to address economic and health disparities in poor, urban men. Efforts are needed to assist lower income men in accessing financial tools as well as fee-based preventive and health-care services.

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“…Instead of being used for SME investment (due to the larger size), most of these loans are used for consumption or education or health care services especially as they have collateral (Bayai & Ikhide, 2018;Fall, Akim, & Wassongma, 2018;Sanfilippo-Azofra et al, 2019). With the participation of microfinance programs, there has been a significant improvement in family health research behaviors and health services, (Bhuiya, Khanam, Rahman, & Nghiem, 2018;Faruqee, 2010;InM, 2015). This study investigates if this is true for Zimbabwe as well.…”

Section: Microfinance In Developing Countriesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Civil Servant Borrowing Practices: A Determinant of Poverty in Zimbabwe

Zhongming

Mangudhla

Mbona

2020

BER

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In assessing microfinance institutions (MFIs) and civil servants' perspectives on borrowing in Zimbabwe, we examine the purpose and rationale of MFIs establishments. Thus, in an attempt to understand the reason behind high borrowing, we also considered loan terms, the nature of loans issued, and the uses of MFIs borrowed funds among households. Driven by the exploratory approach, qualitative research involving semi-structured interviews and observation methods were applied in this study. Using, the purpose of the loan, pricing of loans, repayment terms, and loan terms, interview questions were designed and conducted. Our results show that MFIs loans are: short term loans, income (salary) based; and, these loans are mainly for immediate household consumption needs not an investment. This study also indicates that loan application requirements are more favorable for employed households, especially public sector employees. Even though civil servants have a better advantage in accessing MFIs loans, in the long run, they are likely to remain in poverty; since their purpose of borrowing is geared towards family expenses. Also, MFIs prevailing interest rates (high), evidenced with shorter repayment periods, reflect their failure to pull borrowers out of poverty; however, creating an interdependence syndrome of continuous borrowing. Since we focused on lending practices of households, our results serve as a basis of a joint policy formulation in combating poverty. Thus, understanding poverty through the borrowing of employed citizens aids in grasping the interconnectedness of sectors; which, is an essential tool for sustainable development and strategic planning.

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The relationship between access to microfinance, health-seeking behaviour and health service uses: Evidence from Bangladesh

Cited by 9 publications

References 15 publications

Microcredit participation and child schooling in rural Bangladesh: Evidence from a cross-sectional survey

Microcredit participation and child schooling in rural Bangladesh: Evidence from a cross-sectional survey

Microfinance and Peer Health Leadership Intervention Implementation for Men in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: A Qualitative Assessment of Perceived Economic and Health Outcomes

Civil Servant Borrowing Practices: A Determinant of Poverty in Zimbabwe

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