Maternal nutrition knowledge versus schooling as determinants of child micronutrient status

Abstract

This study considers the demand for child micronutrient status (represented by hemoglobin concentration). A central focus concerns the distinct roles of maternal schooling versus maternal nutrition knowledge as determinants of micronutrient status. Applying both parametric and non-parametric techniques to Indonesian household data, the study finds that critical determinants include: child gender and age, household expenditure levels, access to water, and maternal nutrition knowledge. Maternal schooling contributes to child micronutrient directly, but also through its effects on nutrition knowledge and household expenditures. Maternal nutrition knowledge substitutes for schooling, particularly at lower levels of income and schooling.