How wealthy are orphans and vulnerable children households in a metropolitan community, South-West Nigeria?

Context/Background: Responding to the needs of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) remains a public health challenge. In Nigeria, disparities in wealth among OVC has not been previously documented. Therefore, this study determined the socio-economic status of Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) in relation to service areas in Lagos Nigeria. Data Sources and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in five local government areas. A child vulnerability assessment form was used to identify 6656 OVC households. A pretested semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information on socio-demographic characteristics, and items relating to service areas: economy, education, food security, shelter, health and psychosocial issues. Socio-economic status was measured by wealth index; developed using principal component analysis. Results: Child access to healthcare services was lower (46.2%) among poorer females compared to males (50.0%). Access to legal protection was low in all socio-economic categories for both males and females. Food insecurity was significantly higher in the lower wealth quintiles. The odds of adequate shelter increased with increasing wealth quintiles. Conclusion: There were considerable socio-economic inequalities in the access of orphans and vulnerable children to the service areas.