Economic Growth and Child Undernutrition in India
Author Information
Author(s): Subramanyam Malavika A., Kawachi Ichiro, Berkman Lisa F., Subramanian S. V.
Primary Institution: Harvard School of Public Health
Hypothesis
Is economic growth associated with a reduction in child undernutrition in India?
Conclusion
The study found no consistent evidence that economic growth leads to a reduction in childhood undernutrition in India.
Supporting Evidence
- Data from three National Family Health Surveys indicated high levels of undernutrition among children in India.
- Statistical models showed no significant association between economic growth and child undernutrition.
- Previous studies suggested that factors like women's education may have a greater impact on child nutrition than economic growth.
Takeaway
The study looked at whether making more money as a country helps kids eat better and be healthier, but it found that just getting richer doesn't always help kids who are not getting enough food.
Methodology
The study analyzed data from three waves of the National Family Health Survey in India, using multilevel logistic regression models to assess the association between state economic growth and child undernutrition.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to missing data and the ecological nature of some models used.
Limitations
The study's reliance on cross-sectional data may limit causal inferences, and the measure of economic growth may not capture all relevant factors affecting undernutrition.
Participant Demographics
Children under 3 years old from various states in India, with data collected from three different survey years.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI 0.98, 1.04 for underweight; 95% CI 0.99, 1.05 for stunting; 95% CI 0.96, 1.02 for wasting.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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