Determinants of child height in Uganda: A consideration of the selection bias caused by child mortality

Type Journal Article - Food and nutrition bulletin
Title Determinants of child height in Uganda: A consideration of the selection bias caused by child mortality
Author(s)
Volume 16
Issue 1
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 1995
Page numbers 49-59
URL http://archive.unu.edu/unupress/food/8F161e/8F161E07.htm
Abstract
This paper reports a methodology for analysis and presents the determinants of child height in Uganda. A two-stage estimation method that evaluated the effects of covariates on child height for age after controlling for the selection bias caused by child mortality was necessary. Important determinants of child health in Uganda are the child's and some maternal characteristics. Some environmental factors (at the levels of both community aggregate and household) have significance. The effects of mothers' characteristics were relatively more sensitive to correction of the selection bias. In particular, mother's secondary education almost doubled its effect and became significant in determining the height of children. Overall results suggest that Uganda is facing a phase of health transition in which the effect of socio-economic variables (at both individual and community levels) are beginning to show up significantly. Although an all-round developmental effort is essential, selective interventions aiming to improve female education and, where that is difficult, extension of appropriate information through radio are likely to improve the survival and health of children.

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