Determinants of child nutrition status in Kenya a quantile regression analysis

Abstract

This research thesis sought to analyse the determinants of child malnutrition in Kenya using the quantile regression analysis method on the 2008 DHS data. The study investigated the impact of child, household and community characteristics on children's nutritional outcomes. Key study results are that the boy child; older children; and those of a higher birth order more likely to suffer malnutrition than their counterparts.

Other important determinants of malnutrition in children include the levels of both fathers' and mothers' education; household size; mothers' age at first birth; household income levels; childrens' vaccination status; and access to sanitation. The study findings point to the need to implement a combination of policies to address malnutrition.

These include additional investment in antenatal postnatal and family planning education; expansion of health centres and personnel; human capital investments targeting higher parental educational levels; expansion of income generating opportunities and infrastructure and other non-direct means of improving resource allocations. The suggested approach therefore requires concerted efforts across government and non-government actors for optimal results in the alleviation of child malnutrition in Kenya.