Geography and culture matter for malnutrition in Bolivia

Type Journal Article - Economics & Human Biology
Title Geography and culture matter for malnutrition in Bolivia
Author(s)
Volume 2
Issue 3
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2004
Page numbers 373-389
URL http://europepmc.org/abstract/med/15576244
Abstract
The prevalence of health problems and malnutrition in Bolivia is exceptionally high, even in comparison to other underdeveloped countries. This study analyzes the relationship between a two measures of child health—height-for-age and weight-for-age z-scores—and a set of physical and cultural determinants of child nutrition, including mother's characteristics, household assets and access to public services. The ultimate aim is to identify the most important determinants of child health and to measure the relative impact of each factor on the height and weight z-scores. A sequential strategy was adopted in order to estimate a two-equation linear model with correlated error terms. A major finding points to geographical and cultural variables as main causes of nutritional status and highlights the role of mother's anthropometrical characteristics. This study uses data on over 3000 children gathered from a Demographic and Health Survey (DHS).

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