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The effects of meternal education versus cognitive test scores on child nutrition in Kenya

Author

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  • Melanie Fox-Kean
  • Alok Bhargava

Abstract

This paper estimates dynamic random effects models for intakes by 100 Kenyan school children (6-9 years) of dietary energy, protein, calcium, iron, zinc, niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, and vitamins A, C, D, and E within a multivariate longitudinal framework. The explanatory variables were socioeconomic and background variables, children’s height and weight, and maternal education, cognitive test scores and morbidity spells. The model parameters were estimated using the maximum likelihood method controlling for the unobserved between-children differences. The main findings were, first, that while maternal education was usually not a significant predictor of the intakes, maternal scores on cognitive tests strongly predicted children’s dietary intakes. Second, the paternal cognitive scores and maternal morbidity levels were not significantly associated with the intakes. Third, an index of socioeconomic status and cash income was a significant predictor. The results indicated the need to consider broader measures of human development in developing countries and of implementing educational programs for women without school education.

Suggested Citation

  • Melanie Fox-Kean & Alok Bhargava, 2004. "The effects of meternal education versus cognitive test scores on child nutrition in Kenya," Econometric Society 2004 North American Winter Meetings 39, Econometric Society.
    • Handle: RePEc:ecm:nawm04:39
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    2. Bhargava, Alok, 2013. "Iron status, malaria parasite loads and food policies: Evidence from sub-Saharan Africa," Economics & Human Biology, Elsevier, vol. 11(1), pages 108-112.
    3. Sadegh Eshaghnia & James J. Heckman, 2023. "Intergenerational Transmission of Inequality: Maternal Endowments, Investments, and Birth Outcomes," NBER Working Papers 31761, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    4. Stella K Muthuri & Claire E Francis & Lucy-Joy M Wachira & Allana G LeBlanc & Margaret Sampson & Vincent O Onywera & Mark S Tremblay, 2014. "Evidence of an Overweight/Obesity Transition among School-Aged Children and Youth in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 9(3), pages 1-26, March.
    5. Alderman, Harold, 2007. "Improving Nutrition through Community Growth Promotion: Longitudinal Study of the Nutrition and Early Child Development Program in Uganda," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 35(8), pages 1376-1389, August.
    6. Atheendar S. Venkataramani, 2011. "The intergenerational transmission of height: evidence from rural Vietnam," Health Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 20(12), pages 1448-1467, December.
    7. Alok Bhargava, 2015. "Diet Quality, Child Health, and Food Policies in Developing Countries," The World Bank Research Observer, World Bank, vol. 30(2), pages 247-276.
    8. Burchi, Francesco, 2010. "Child nutrition in Mozambique in 2003: The role of mother's schooling and nutrition knowledge," Economics & Human Biology, Elsevier, vol. 8(3), pages 331-345, December.
    9. Rubalcava, Luis N. & Teruel, Graciela M., 2004. "The role of maternal cognitive ability on child health," Economics & Human Biology, Elsevier, vol. 2(3), pages 439-455, December.

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    JEL classification:

    • I0 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - General
    • I1 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health
    • I2 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education
    • O1 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development

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