Examine the linkage between the socio-economic, demographic background characteristics of mother and child health status in India

Mayank Kumar Singh, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)

We investigate the relationship between between the socio-economic, demographic background characteristics of mother and child health & nutritional status. We used cross-sectional data from third round of National family Health Survey conducted in 2005-06. The analysis is based on 51,555 children below five years of age. The main outcome variables related to health status of children are-diarrhea, and acute respiratory infections. Anthropometric measures of weight-for-age, height-for-age and weight-for-height are used to assess the nutritional status of children. Cross-tabulations and logistic regressions models have been used to fulfill objectives of the study We find significant association between demographic, socio-economic characteristics of mother and child health and nutritional status in India. Education and household economic status remains critical factors governing child health and nutrition in India.