Comparison of household expenditure between urban slum and non-slum dwellers in a Southwestern metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract [EXSCINDED] Abstract Background The growth of urban slums has become a source of global concern due to the less-than-optimal conditions in which they exist. Of particular interest here, are the spending patterns of slum inhabitants in order to understand where funds are diverted from when a sudden health challenge occurs. This study sought to provide baseline statistics of household expenditure patterns of selected slums dwellers in southwestern Nigeria using non-slums dwellers as a comparison group.Methods The study utilised a retrospective descriptive cross-sectional design involving 450 respondents from both slums and non-slums. Information pertaining to spending patterns was collected using semi-structured questionnaires (adapted from the World Health Survey) and cost diaries. Results are presented as weighted means and weighted percentages.Results A total of 239 participants were slum dwellers while 211 were non-slum dwellers. Mean age of slum dwellers was 38years (95% CI: 35 – 42 years) while non-slum dwellers had a mean age of 39 years (95% CI: 36 - 41). Mean monthly income for slum dwellers was N93,118; 95%CI: N66,106 – N120,130 while that of non-slum dwellers was N269,700; 95%CI: N209,312 – N330,227. Mean monthly expenditure of N 21,335 was spent on food among the slum dwellers and N 25,131 among the non-slum dwellers. Both slum dwellers and non-slum dwellers spent a large proportion of their monthly income on food, rent, education and health care.Conclusion The earning capacity (income) of respondents from the slums is low compared to the non-slum counterparts. Money allocated to specific and basic household items account for major portions of the slum dwellers’ income, thus they are less likely to be prepared to deal with costs of a medical emergency (compared to non-slum dwellers). Concerted efforts are needed to provide more jobs or empowerment schemes that can alleviate the burden of poverty in the slums and improve their living conditions also.