Socio-Economic Determinants of Child Under-Nutrition in Pakistan: A Measurement of Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure Using PDHS Micro Data

Abstract

The main aim of this research paper is to construct composite index of anthropometric failure (CIAF) for Pakistan by using Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey 2017-18. Further, this paper also investigates the socio-economic determinants of child undernutrition in Pakistan. Child undernutrition is a worldwide issue that needs to be tackled globally. We have applied Logistic regression analysis to find empirical results. The present study has used wealth index, mother’s education, and source of drinking water, type of toilet facilities, family size and access to bank account as determinants of child undernutrition. The outcomes of this study have confirmed the positive and significant role of economic factors including wealth index and access to bank account with respect to child nourishment. Overall, every second child of the country is malnourished. The results show that, in Pakistan, around 33 percent children are stunted, 11 percent are wasting, and 21 percent are underweight. For the better future of country and to ensure efficient & productive human capital available in future, the policy makers should ensure the child development specific policies. The adults’ needs and children needs are not similar, so the policies for poverty eradication and economic welfare may not be sufficient for taking the children out from the malnourishment and chronic diseases.