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Short stature and the age of enrolment in Primary School: studies in two African countries

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  • The Partnership for Child Development

Abstract

This study compares age at enrolment in Primary School with a range of nutritional measures for 8-9 year old and 12-13 year old children in Ghana (n=1566) and Tanzania (n=1390). The results show that short stature (height-for-age z-score), but not other nutritional variables (weight-for-age and weight-for-height z-scores and haemoglobin concentration), is strongly associated with late enrolment. This relationship holds for both age group, sexes and countries, and is independent of socio-economic status in Tanzania (where this parameter was assessed). The relationship between stature and age-appropriate grade becomes less marked with progression through school, which is compatible with a higher drop out rate for more stunted children. These results suggest an important role for health in education; that stunted children enrol later in school and are more likely to drop out earlier.

Suggested Citation

  • The Partnership for Child Development, 1999. "Short stature and the age of enrolment in Primary School: studies in two African countries," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 48(5), pages 675-682, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:48:y:1999:i:5:p:675-682
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    Cited by:

    1. Hall, Andrew & Kirby, Helen, 2010. "The numbers, educational status and health of enrolled and non-enrolled school-age children in the Allai Valley, Northwest Frontier Province, Pakistan," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 70(8), pages 1131-1140, April.

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