Determinants of child height in Uganda: a consideration of the selection bias caused by child mortality

Abstract

A two-stage estimation method that evaluated the effects of covariates on child height for age after controlling for the selection bias caused by child mortality was necessary. Important determinants of child health in Uganda are the child's and some maternal characteristics, and some environmental factors have significance. The effects of mothers' characteristics were relatively more sensitive to correction of the selection bias, in particular, mother's secondary education. Overall results suggest that Uganda is facing a phase of health transition in which the effect of socio-economic variables are beginning to show up significantly. Although an all-round developmental effort is essential, selective interventions aiming to improve female education and extension of appropriate information through radio are likely to improve the survival and health of children. -from Authors