Family structure and children's nutritional status in Tanzania
Sichona, Francis J. / 2001

The 1996 Tanzania demographic and health survey (TDHS) data is used to examine the factors that affect the nutritional status of children age three years and under. The logistics regression model was used to determine the effects of marriage structures, household food security, regional zones and place of residence on the nutritional status of children. The analysis was based on 3,498 children aged not more than three years and whose weights and heights were measured. The results show that the nutritional status of children in largely associated with the age of child, food availability, maternal education, place of residence, whether the child is born single or twin and the regional zone. In order to improve the nutritional status of these children, it is suggested that public health interventions be intrduced where they are not existent and improved upon where they are already in place