Impact of Socioeconomic and Demographic Factors Affecting Child Health in Selected South Asian Countries

Abstract

Development of any nation is estimated through child health condition. In particular, the fourth millennium development goal out of eight is to reduce the mortality rate. The target set under this goal was to reduce by two-third, between 1990 and 2015, the proportion of child mortality. Maternal BMI is closely associated with child nutritional status. Weak mother having low BMI has low nutrition status which effect child weight. Healthy and balance food of mothers have positive effect on their child. Underweight mother can have impaired and poor growing kids. This study presents impact of some socio-economic demographic and maternal health related factors on health status of children in selected South Asian countries i.e. Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal. The study used micro data from demographic and health survey (DHS) of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal. Multinomial logistic regression results revealed that mother education, mother working status, mother health, availability of safe drinking water, family size and vaccination have significant effect on child health. Mother's education is positively associated with healthy child. Working mothers are more likely to have healthy child. Weak and obese children are positively associated with malnourished and overweight mothers respectively. Small family size has positive impact on weak child health. Vaccination and availability of improved and safe water are positively associated with child health.