Determinants of Child Malnutrition in Pakistan: Comparison of Top and Bottom Wealth Quintiles and Gender Segrigation

Abstract

Determinants of Child Malnutrition in Pakistan: Comparison of Top and Bottom Wealth Quintiles and Gender Segrigation Objective The objective of this study is to find the change in the occurrence and incidence of malnutrition from 1990-91 to 2012-13, to find determinants of malnutrition in Pakistan, to see difference of top to bottom wealth quintile and gender discrimination in Pakistan. Methodology To estimate malnutrition, this study used two waves of demographic and health survey (DHS) data from 1990 to 2013 for years 1990-91 and 2012-13 in Stata 2012, children under age five (0 to 59 months) were selected as a sample. Stata 2012 software used for bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Result The analysis of this research report that in 1990-91, 54.3%, 12%, and 35.8% and in 2012-13, 44.8%, 10.8% and 30% children under age five are stunted, wasted and underweight respectively. The major associated factors of malnutrition were found demographic, institutional, spatial, environmental and Socio-economic. Conclusion From the findings of this research, it is concluded that malnutrition is as yet a critical issue among children 6-59 months. Therefore, especial attention should be given on intervention of malnutrition.