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Breast-feeding, water and sanitation, and childhood malnutrition in the Philippines

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 July 2008

Robert J. Magnani ,
Nancy B. Mock ,
William E. Bertrand  and
Daniel C. Clay
Robert J. Magnani
Affiliation:
School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans
Nancy B. Mock
Affiliation:
School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans
William E. Bertrand
Affiliation:
School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans
Daniel C. Clay
Affiliation:
Department of Sociology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA
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Summary

This study examines effects and interactions of socioeconomic status, access to water supply and sanitation, and breast-feeding practices in relation to child growth in two provincial cities in the Philippines. Multivariate analysis identified food expenditure per head, education of the household head and gender of the child as significant predictors of nutritional status. The duration of partial and full breast-feeding was negatively (though non-significantly) associated with growth. Sanitation facilities and breast-feeding are, however, important determinants during the first year of life. Among children over 1 year of age, socioeconomic variables and gender are the most important predictors. Breast-feeding is shown to provide more important health benefits for children in lower income households. The need for further studies on the causes of gender differences in nutritional status was apparent.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Biosocial Science , Volume 25 , Issue 2 , April 1993 , pp. 195 - 212
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1993

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