Healthcare Utilization, Socioeconomic Factors and Child Health in India

Journal of Biosocial Science, Forthcoming

Posted: 25 Jun 2010 Last revised: 19 Mar 2011

See all articles by Alok Bhargava

Alok Bhargava

University of Maryland School of Public Policy

Michael Lokshin

World Bank

Aravinda M. Guntupalli

University of Southampton

Date Written: June 24, 2010

Abstract

This paper modelled the proximate determinants of height, weight and hemoglobin concentration of over 25,000 Indian children using data from the National Family Health Survey-3. The effects of healthcare services utilization, food consumption patterns and maternal health status on child health were investigated in a multidisciplinary framework. The results from models for birth weight and size showed that antenatal care, birth intervals, and maternal education, food consumption patterns and nutritional status were significant predictors. Second, models for children’s heights and weight showed beneficial effects of child vaccinations against DPT, polio, and measles, and negative effects of not utilizing government health facilities. Methodological issues such as potential endogeneity of birth variables and appropriateness of combining height and weight as the Body Mass Index were tackled. Third, models for children’s hemoglobin concentration indicated beneficial effects of food consumption patterns, treatment against intestinal parasites and maternal BMI. Finally, models were estimated for maternal weight and hemoglobin concentration. Overall, the results provide policy insights for improving maternal and child health in India.

Keywords: Anthropometric measures, child vaccinations, economic development, food consumption, healthcare services, hemoglobin concentration, simultaneity

JEL Classification: C31, I12, J10

Suggested Citation

Bhargava, Alok and Lokshin, Michael and Guntupalli, Aravinda M., Healthcare Utilization, Socioeconomic Factors and Child Health in India (June 24, 2010). Journal of Biosocial Science, Forthcoming, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1629958

Alok Bhargava (Contact Author)

University of Maryland School of Public Policy ( email )

Van Munching Hall
College Park, MD 20742
United States
301 405 6330 (Phone)

Michael Lokshin

World Bank ( email )

1818 H. Street, N.W.
MSN3-311
Washington, DC 20433
United States
202-473-1772 (Phone)
202-522-1153 (Fax)

HOME PAGE: http://econ.worldbank.org/staff/mlokshin

Aravinda M. Guntupalli

University of Southampton ( email )

University Rd.
Southampton SO17 1BJ, Hampshire SO17 1LP
United Kingdom

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