Higher Educated Mothers Research Articles

Education Role in Stunting Under Two Years among Poor Communities in Indonesia

Background: Indonesia still has a stunting problem, even though the stunting rate has decreased. The study analyses the association of the maternal education level with the incidence of stunted children under the age of two in poor communities in Indonesia.Method: The cross-sectional data from the Indonesian National Nutritional Status Survey 2021 examined 24,920 children under two years old. The relationship between the variables was tested using binary logistic regression.Result: The odds of having stunted children below the age of two are 1.705 times greater for women with no education than women with higher levels of education (AOR 1.705; 95% CI 1.667-1.744). Primary-educated mothers were 1.178 times increased risk of having stunted children under age two compared to higher-educated mothers (AOR 1.178; 95% CI 1.157-1.199). The study analysis found no significant difference between secondary and higher education to have stunted children. In addition to education level, the study also identified six other important control variables associated with stunting in children under the age of two: residence location, age of mother, married status, child's age, child's gender, and EIBF. According to the study's findings, stunting in children under the age of two is related to maternal educational levels among Indonesia's poor communities. An increased incidence of stunting in children under the age of two is associated with lower levels of maternal education.

Growing inequality and diverging paths in early childhood education and care: Educational disparities in Europe

Abstract Early childhood education and care (ECEC) is among the most important services for children and their parents as it promotes children’s development and enables mothers’ employment. Previous research has shown that there is an educational gradient as children of mothers with a low education level participate less in ECEC services, but less is known about the development of this inequality. This study, using EU-SILC survey data, focuses on the development of inequality in ECEC use of children under 3 years of age during 2004–2019, and on disparities between three categories of education levels among mothers. The results show that, together with increasing ECEC participation rates, overall inequality has increased in Europe. Inequality has increased between low- and other education levels, whereas in a few cases, a decrease has happened between medium- and high-educated mothers. It is important to pay attention to socioeconomic disparities with rising participation rates.

Everyone is searching for it and those who acquired it enjoy better mental health: a latent profile analysis of Chinese adolescents' meaning in life.

One factor associated with rising rates of depression and anxiety among youth is a lack of meaning in life (MIL). The importance of living a meaningful and purposeful life cannot be overstressed, especially for adolescents who are in a critical life stage and have recently experienced a 3-year-long global health crisis, namely the COVID-19 pandemic. Although previous studies have examined adolescents' MIL, the majority of them adopted a variable-centered approach. The present study adopts a person-centered approach to investigate the updated MIL among Chinese adolescents in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demographic factors related to profile classification, and the differences in mental health among adolescents in different MIL classes. A questionnaire assessing MIL, depression, anxiety, stress, and demographic information was administered to 1,196 Chinese adolescents (mean age = 13.07 ± 0.58; 44.73% were female individuals). A three-step latent profile analysis was conducted. This study revealed that (1) adolescents can be categorized into three classes: high MIL, medium MIL, and low and searching MIL. (2) Adolescents from intact families with higher educated mothers were more likely to be classified as high MIL class rather than low MIL class. Furthermore, (3) adolescents with high MIL experienced the best mental health outcomes, those with medium MIL experienced moderate mental health, and those with low MIL, who were still searching for MIL, exhibited the poorest mental health. External support may be necessary in the search process for Chinese adolescents. Future research could explore the process of searching for MIL and identify the challenges adolescents encounter when developing their sense of MIL.

The long-term effect of the maternal and infant health act on the human capital of adolescents in China

ABSTRACT We study the long-term effects of the Maternal and Infant Health Act (MIHA) on the human capital of adolescents in China. We exploit the variation in the availability of the intervention created by the cut-off date of the implementation of the MIHA and estimate a RD-DID model. We find no significant treatment effects on education or health outcomes for the full sample. In the subsample analysis, we find significant positive treatment effects on both education and health outcomes for adolescents with higher educated mothers, but no significant effects for those with lower educated mothers.

State-Level Safety Net Spending and Educational Gaps in Maternal Time with Children.

We examine how state spending on children is associated with the size of socioeconomic gaps in maternal childcare time. Persistent socioeconomic divides in the amount and nature of parental time with children have prompted consideration of the factors that mitigate inequalities within the family. At both the national and local levels, the welfare state plays an important role in structuring opportunities for children. Thus it is important to understand the institutional factors that shape parental behavior. Yet, little research examines how the social safety net is associated with family processes. Using rich data on maternal time with children from the American Time Use Surveys (2003-2016), combined with longitudinal data on public spending in states on major programs affecting children and families, we examine how state spending on children is associated with the size of socioeconomic gaps in maternal childcare time. We found that higher levels of state spending were associated with significant increases in childcare time among low-educated mothers at both the extensive and intensive margin, increasing the likelihood of spending any minutes on primary childcare in a typical day, as well as increasing the number of minutes spent on childcare. In contrast, we observed no variation in the behavior of highly-educated mothers as state spending changes. State-level investments could meaningfully narrow socioeconomic gaps in maternal time with children.

Heterogeneity in parental time with children: trends by gender and education between 1961 and 2012 across 20 countries

Abstract This article investigates the level and dynamics of heterogeneity in parental childcare time using data from the Multinational Time Use Study across 20 countries over five decades. Applying the Gini coefficient as the main summary measure of the dispersion in the distribution at the country level, we show that heterogeneity in paternal time has been higher than that in maternal time throughout the last half-century. The gap has narrowed over the last decade, mainly due to a reduction in paternal time heterogeneity. This pattern is observed not only across countries over time but also within those countries for which we have repeated observations. We also show relevant socio-economic variations. Heterogeneity among low-educated mothers started to be systematically above that of high-educated mothers in the 1970s. In the group of fathers, heterogeneity has always been higher for the low-educated and it has been on the rise in the last decade. Results of a counterfactual analysis suggest that the main driver of the trends in paternal timne heterogeneity is the reduction in the share of fathers who do not provide any childcare, especially among the low-educated.

Challenges for influencing exclusive breastfeeding practice among lactating mothers with infants aged 0-6 months inBorama District, Somaliland: A cross-sectional study.

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF)has been demonstrated to have positive effects on a child's survival, growth, and development, as well as a mother's health and well-being. The authors aim to examine the barriers to EBF among lactating mothers in Borama town, Somaliland, with infants aged <6 months. The authors collected primary data on a sample of 153 lactating mothers in Borama town, Somaliland, for this study. This study used descriptive statistics with frequencies and percentages. Moreover, the multivariable logistic regression model is applied to analyze the data. Findings revealed that about 28.1% of mothers pointed out that breastfeeding should be the baby's first meal. Surprisingly, 69.3% of the women were unaware that 6 months of EBF may keep a baby healthy. Results depict that EBF was influenced by lack of education (AOR:0.013; 95% Cl: 0.001, 0.124), marital status (AOR:0.40; 95% Cl: 0.004, 0.427), employed mothers (AOR:0.070; 95% Cl: 0.043, 0.94), mothers perception of milk quantity (AOR:0.033; 95% Cl: 0.001, 0.124), and perceived rejection to breastfeeding by the baby (AOR:0.043; 95% Cl: 0.021, 0.134). Mothers who had no formal education or a primary level of education have less chance of practicing EBF than higher-educated mothers. It is observed that the educational level of mothers, marital status (widow), employed mother, perceived insufficient milk, and the perceived rejection of breastfeeding by the baby are the major challenges for enhancing the EBF practice. The authors suggested that the Ministry of Health examine how effectively breastfeeding counseling is implemented in medical facilities. Moreover, the authors suggest that the government, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs),and community associations collaboratively plan and carry out suitable programs focusing on vulnerable groups.

Individualized Implementation of Youth Quality of Life Instrument-Research Version (YQOL-R) Among Chinese Adolescents with Different Weight Status.

This study implemented the individualized Youth Quality of Life Instrument-Research Version (YQOL-R) to estimate the quality of life (QoL) among Chinese adolescents with three different Body Mass Index (BMI) levels. The study aims to explore and provide a reference for developing individualized QoL (IQoL) measurements in China. The sample consisted of 822 aged 11-18 from nine schools. The data collection included all participants' primary characters (age, sex, annual household income, parental education, and recruitment community) and their self-report QoL. Precisely, based on the generic measurement of YQOL-R, we developed IQoL measurements by asking adolescents' perceived five most important things to them (IQOLimportance) and the aspects they most want to change (IQOLchange) from 19 facets, respectively. The one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to compare total and subscale scores of IQOLimportance, IQOLchange, and YQOL-R among adolescents with three different weight status. Also, the data analysis used multivariable linear regression modeling to test the effects on scores of IQOLimportance and IQOLchange. Overall, the obese adolescents identified "Having good physical health" as the most important (54.03%) and most like-to-change (42.65%); in contrast, the normal-weight group ranked "Being myself" as the top facet of IQOLimportance (52.42%) and "Having good friends" as the top facet of IQOLchange (43.12%). The obese adolescents' reported IQOLimportance scores are significantly lower than those of the normal-weight group (P=0.039). However, there is no significant difference in IQOLchange score among the three weight-status groups. The multivariable linear regression models indicated that adolescents who are girls (P=0.035), have higher educated fathers (P=0.049), and are overweight/obese (P=0.041) self-reported worse IQOLimportance score; yet, the girls (P=0.023) and older adolescents (P=0.004) answered lower IQOLchange scores. In addition, adolescents who had higher educated mothers (P=0.047; 0.023) and responded with higher total YQOL-R scores (P<0.001; <0.001) reported higher IQOLimportance and IQOLchange scores. In the current study, although the self-reported YQOL-R scores from different weight status did not present a significant difference, the obese group reported a statistical trend towards lower IQOLimportance scores than the normal-weight and overweight adolescents. These findings emphasize that IQOLimportance and IQOLchange could capture adolescents' perspectives with different weight statuses about their lives, which are unique as complementary health outcomes accompanying YQOL-R in health surveys and interventions among Chinese adolescents.

Overweight and Obesity in Finnish Children by Parents' Socioeconomic Position-A Registry-Based Study.

Objectives: To examine associations between parents' socioeconomic position (SEP) and child overweight and obesity, using registry data. Methods: Data (final n = 194,423) on children's height, weight and parents' SEP were drawn from the national Register of Primary Health Care Visits (Avohilmo) and Statistics Finland. Risk ratios for bernoulli-distributed overweight (RROW) and obesity (RROB) according to SEP were estimated using generalized linear models and using a log -link. Results: The risk for obesity was lower in boys from high-income families (RROB 0.76), for overweight and obesity was lower in boys (RROW 0.72, RROB 0.58) and girls (RROW 0.72, RROB 0.54) with highly educated fathers, in boys (RROW 0.79, RROB 0.58) and girls (RROW 0.78, RROB 0.56) with high-educated mothers and in boys (RROW 0.85, RROB 0.77) and girls (RROW 0.80, RROB 0.69) living in urban areas, as compared to low-income families, low-educated parents, and rural residence, respectively. Conclusion: The risk of overweight and obesity was increased in children with low SEP or rural residence. Administrative registers are a valid approach to monitor childhood obesity by parents' SEP.

Multilevel multivariate modeling on the association between undernutrition indices of under-five children in East Africa countries: evidence from recent demographic health survey (DHS) data

BackgroundMalnutrition is the main cause of illness and death in children under the age of five. It affects millions of children worldwide, putting their health and future in jeopardy. Therefore, this study aimed to identify and estimate the effects of important determinants of anthropometric indicators by taking into account their association and cluster effects.MethodThe study was carried out in 10 countries in East Africa: Burundi, Ethiopia, Comoros, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Zambia, and Malawi. A weighted total sample of 53,322 children under the age of five was included. Given the impact of other predictors such as maternal, child, and socioeconomic variables, a multilevel multivariate binary logistic regression model was employed to analyze the relationship between stunting, wasting, and underweight.ResultThe study included 53,322 children, and 34.7%, 14.8%, and 5.1% were stunted, underweight, and wasted, respectively. Almost half of the children (49.8%) were female, and 22.0% lived in urban areas. The estimated odds of children from secondary and higher education mothers being stunted and wasted were 0.987; 95% CI: 0.979 – 0.994 and 0.999; 95% CI: 0.995 – 0.999, respectively, times the estimated odds of children from no education mothers. Children from middle-class families were less likely to be underweight than children from poorer families.ConclusionThe prevalence of stunting was higher than in the sub-Saharan Africa region, but the prevalence of wasting and underweight was lower. According to the study's findings, undernourishment among young children under the age of five continues to be a significant public health issue in the East African region. Governmental and non-governmental organizations should therefore plan public health participation focusing on paternal education and the poorest households in order to improve the undernutrition status of children under five. Additionally, improving the delivery of healthcare at health facilities, places of residence, children's health education, and drinking water sources are essential for lowering child undernutrition indicators.

Socioeconomic and education-based inequality in suspected developmental delays among Nepalese children: a subnational level assessment

Failure to meet early childhood developmental milestones leads to difficulty in schooling and social functioning. Evidence on the inequality in the burden of developmental delays across population groups, and identification of potential risk factors for suspected developmental delays (SDD) among younger children, are essential for designing appropriate policies and programs. This study explored the level of socioeconomic and maternal education-based inequality in the prevalence of SDD among Nepalese children at subnational level and identified potential risk factors. Individual-level data from the 2019 Nepal Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey was used to estimate the prevalence of SDD among children aged 3–4 years. Regression-based slope index of inequality (SII) and relative index of inequality were used to measure the magnitude of inequality, in terms of household socioeconomic status (SES) and mother’s education, in the prevalence of SDD. In addition, a multilevel logistic regression model was used to identify potential risk factors for SDD. The national prevalence of SDD was found to be 34.8%, with relatively higher prevalence among children from rural areas (40.0%) and those from Karnali Province (45.0%) followed by Madhesh province (44.2%), and Sudhurpashchim Province (40.1%). The prevalence of SDD was 32 percentage points higher (SII: −0.32) among children from the poorest households compared to their rich counterparts at the national level. At the subnational level, such inequality was found to be highest in Lumbini Province (SII = −0.47) followed by Karnali Province (SII = −0.37), and Bagmati Province (SII = −0.37). The prevalence of SDD was 36 percentage points higher (SII: −0.36) among children whose mother had no formal education compared to children of higher educated mothers. The magnitude of education-based absolute inequality in SDD was highest in Lumbini Province (SII = −0.44). Multilevel logistic regression model identified lower levels of mother’s education, disadvantaged SES and childhood stunting as significant risk factors for SDD. One in each three children in Nepal may experience SDD, with relatively higher prevalence among children from rural areas. Subnational level variation in prevalence, and socioeconomic and education-based inequality in SDD highlight the urgent need for province-specific tailored interventions to promote early childhood development in Nepal.

Positive parenting, parenting stress, and child self-regulation patterns differ across maternal demographic risk.

We examined relations between positive parenting, parenting stress, and children's regulatory abilities across infancy and early childhood. First-time mothers and their infants (N = 682) were recruited prenatally. Mothers belonged to one of three potential demographic risk groups: adolescent mothers (AM), adult low-educated mothers (LEM), and adult high-educated mothers (HEM). Parent-child interactions were observed in the home and scored for positive parenting (at 4, 8, and 18 months) and child self-regulation (at 4, 8, 18, and 30 months). Parenting stress was measured by questionnaire at 6, 12, and 24 months. A multigroup cross-lagged panel model indicated different patterns of effects for adolescent and adult mothers: for AM, positive parenting and parenting stress were related early in infancy, but no relations emerged with regulation until 18 months. For LEM, parenting related to regulation only at later ages, and for HEM, positive parenting, parenting stress, and regulation were associated early in the infant's life but not later. Differing patterns of influence indicate, perhaps, the importance of considering demographic risk and timing of parenting in childhood in relation to child regulatory outcomes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Trajectories of socioeconomic inequality in early child development: a cohort analysis

BackgroundAddressing socioeconomic inequalities in early child development (ECD) is key to reducing the intergenerational transmission of health inequalities. Yet, little is known about how socioeconomic inequalities in ECD develop over the course of childhood. Our study aimed to describe how inequalities in ECD by maternal education develop from infancy to middle childhood.MethodsWe used data from Generation R, a prospective population-based cohort study in The Netherlands. Language skills were measured at ages 1, 1.5, 2, 3, and 4 years, using the Minnesota Child Development Inventory. Socioemotional (i.e. internalizing and externalizing) problems were measured at ages 1.5, 3, 5 and 9 years using the Child Behavior Checklist. We estimated inequalities in language skills and socioemotional problems across the above-mentioned ages, using linear mixed models with standardized scores at each wave. We used maternal education as indicator of socioeconomic position.ResultsChildren of less educated mothers had more reported internalizing (B = 0.72, 95%CI = 0.51;0.95) and externalizing (B = 0.25, 95%CI = 0.10;0.40) problems at age 1.5 years, but better (caregiver reported) language skills at 1 year (B = 0.50, 95%CI = 0.36;0.64) than children of high educated mothers. Inequalities in internalizing and externalizing problems decreased over time. Inequalities in language scores reversed at age 2, and by the time children were 4 years old, children of less educated mothers had substantially lower language skills than children of high educated mothers (B = -0.38, 95%CI = -0.61;-0.15).ConclusionsTrajectories of socioeconomic inequality in ECD differ by developmental domain: whereas inequalities in socioemotional development decreased over time, inequalities increased for language development. Children of less educated mothers are at a language disadvantage even before entering primary education, providing further evidence that early interventions are needed.

Anchors matter: Eliciting maternal expectations on educational outcomes

Subjective expectation data on education has been increasingly used by social scientists to better understand current investments in human capital. Despite its recognised value by scholars, there is little evidence about how the elicitation of such data might be sensitive to questionnaire design. Using a 2 × 2 between-subjects experimental design, we analyse how sensitive the elicitation of subjective expectation data on educational outcomes is to anchors. Our study provides causal evidence on whether collecting data on parental education before the elicitation of parental expectations on their children’s educational outcomes anchors the elicitation of the latter; and whether parental expectations on their older offsprings anchors their expectations on their younger children. We find that mothers (main respondents) who have been exposed to the anchored treatments report more pessimistic parental expectations. When splitting our sample into low and high educated mothers, we find that low educated mothers who have been allocated to anchored treatments are more likely to report lower levels of education than those in the non-anchored treatment. Anchored treatments also increase non-response in both high and low educated mothers, however, the effect is larger on the former. When assessing the accuracy of expectations to predict educational outcomes, we observe that anchored expectations have higher predictive power. Our findings inform to what extent the collection of subjective expectations data is subject to anchoring and which type of elicitation ( anchored or non-anchored ) should be considered according to the main purpose of the elicitation (i.e., item response vs prediction).

Risk factors for child stunting in Bangladesh: an analysis using MICS 2019 data

BackgroundMalnutrition is considered a major public health challenge and is associated with a range of health issues, including childhood stunting. Stunting is a reliable and well-recognized indicator of chronic childhood malnutrition. The objective of this study is to determine the risk factors associated with stunting among 17,490 children below five years of age in Bangladesh.MethodsCorrelates of child stunting were examined using data generated by a cross-sectional cluster survey conducted in Bangladesh in 2019. The data includes a total of 17,490 children (aged < 5 years) from 64,400 households. Multiple logistic regressions were used to determine the risk factors associated with child stunting and severe stunting.ResultsThe prevalence of stunting and severe stunting for children was 25.96% and 7.97%, respectively. Children aged 24 to < 36 months [Odds Ratio (OR) = 2.65, 95% CI: 2.30, 3.05] and aged 36 to < 48 months [OR = 2.33, 95% CI: 2.02, 2.69] had more risk of stunting compared to the children aged < 6 months. Children from Sylhet division had the greatest risk of stunting of all the eight divisions [OR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.09, 1.46]. Children of secondary complete or higher educated mothers were less likely to develop stunting [OR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.56, 0.79] compared with children of mothers having no education at all. Similarly, children of secondary complete or higher educated father [OR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.63, 0.87] were found to have lower risk of stunting compared with children whose father hadn’t any education. Substantially lower risk of stunting was observed among children whose mother and father both completed secondary education or above [OR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.52, 0.69]. Children from the richest households [OR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.41, 0.58] had 51% lower odds of stunting compared to children from the poorest households.ConclusionsAfter controlling for socioeconomic and demographic factors, parental education and household position in the wealth index were found to be the most important determinants of child stunting in Bangladesh.

Mother’s Time Allocation, Childcare, and Child Cognitive Development

This paper analyzes the effects of maternal and nonparental time on a child’s cognitive development. Using data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, we estimate a model that allows the mother’s time productivity to depend on her education level and that distinguishes between formal and informal care. The results show that childcare time of high-educated mothers is more productive than that of low-educated mothers and that of nonparental care. The simulation of policies subsidizing mothers’ wages or regulating the nonparental care market indicates that children with low-educated mothers benefit more from replacing maternal time with nonparental time.

Determinants of skilled birth attendants in Nepal: a case of Surkhet district

Background: Safe delivery incentive program was introduced to increase the skilled attendants at births. The program provided childbirth by skilled birth attendants as well as incentives to skilled birth attendants ‘cash’ to women giving birth in a health facility in addition to incentives to health provider for each delivery attended, either at home or the facility. Due to its implementation and administrative delays, the program was reformed and implemented as a ‘safer mother program’ popularly known as “aama-suraksha-karyakram” since January 2009.Methods: The study was conducted in Surkhet district of Nepal. Surkhet is a hilly district and is head-quarter of mid-western development region of Nepal. There is one hospital, 5 PHCCs, 9 HPs and 38 SHPs serving 288,527 people in the district. The delivery by trained health worker (HW) in the district is 31.8% in 2005/06 which has increased about two times for two years. Surkhet is one of the districts monitoring the process indicators for safe motherhood programme in Nepal. Birth preparedness package programme has been implementing in the district from this year. The study population were the mothers within the age group of 15 to 49 years in Surkhet district. The sampling frame of the study was the mothers who had delivered the baby within 12 months preceding the survey.Results: About one third mothers, having 0-5 poverty score, utilised delivery assisted by HWs, while about three fourth of them having more than 5 score utilised HWs as delivery assistant. Higher educated mothers utilised HWs as delivery assistant more than that of higher educated husband. Among higher educated mothers, about 85% utilised delivery assisted by HWs, while it was about 75% for higher educated husband. Occupation of mother was also significantly associated with utilisation of delivery by HWs. Mother having office work utilised about 5 times higher HWs than others as their delivery assistant. The distance to health facility was significantly associated with utilisation of delivery attendant (p value &lt;0.001). The mothers with less travelling time to reach health facility were more likely to utilise HWs as delivery attendant. About three fourth mothers who needed less than half an hour utilised delivery assisted by HWs. There was equal proportion of mothers who needed 30-59 minutes to reach the nearest health facility. In the other hand, about 73% of mothers who needed one hour or more to reach health facility utilised others as delivery assistant. Perceived quality of service to nearby health facility by mothers was also significantly associated with utilisation of HWs as delivery attendant (p value &lt;0.05). About two third of mothers perceiving good quality of service at local health facility utilised HWs as delivery attendant while, it was only 44% among mothers perceiving poor quality of services.Conclusions: There should be adequate planning and preparation at all levels of health facilities; implementing a new program should not adversely affect another existing service delivery system. For the optional implementation, hospital organogram should be revised; and physical facilities and the low-risk birthing-centers with referral linkages should be expanded.

Knowledge and Attitude of Mothers Towards Childhood Vaccination in Taif, Saudi Arabia

Background: Misconceptions and inadequate knowledge about vaccination represent an important barrier against adherence to vaccination schedules. Objectives: To assess the knowledge and attitude of mothers of children under five years of age with regard to standard childhood vaccination. Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Taif Children’s Hospital (a subsidiary of the Ministry of Health), Saudi Arabia, among a sample of mothers of children aged below five years attending the hospital’s outpatient clinics during the study period of May-July 2021. A valid questionnaire was utilised for data collection, comprising demographic questions as well as an assessment of respondents’ knowledge and attitude towards childhood vaccination. Results: The study included 397 mothers, more than half of whom (53.9%) were aged between 20 and 30 years. Overall, the total knowledge score ranged between 5 and 10, with an arithmetic mean of 9.03 and standard deviation of (± 1.25). Higher-educated mothers (university or above) were more knowledgeable about childhood vaccination than lesser-educated mothers (mean ranks were 200.44 and 123.35, respectively), p=0.020. Overall, the total score for attitude towards childhood vaccination ranged between 5 and 10, with an arithmetic mean of 9.15 and standard deviation of (± 0.48). Married mothers expressed a more positive attitude towards childhood vaccination than divorced mothers (mean ranks were 200.83 and 144.81, respectively), p=0.014. Conclusion: The knowledge about, and attitude towards, childhood vaccination among mothers in Taif, Saudi Arabia are excellent. However, some misconceptions require correction

Nutritional and immunization status of under-five children of India and Bangladesh

BackgroundThe nutritional and immunization status of children can play an important role in determining their future health status of a particular country. The aim of the present study is to investigate the nutritional and immunization status of under-five children in India and Bangladesh, and to find the difference in the status between these two countries.MethodsWe have used the National Family Health Survey data, 2015–2016 of India and Bangladesh Demographic Health Survey, 2017–2018 datasets. The sample sizes are 222,418, among them 8759 and 8759 children for India and Bangladesh respectively. The nutritional status of under-five children is measured by standard anthropometric indicators of height-for-age (HAZ) and weight-for-age (WAZ). Regarding child immunization status, only BCG, DPT, polio and measles vaccinations are considered for the present study. Multiple binary logistic model has been used for analysing the data.ResultsThis study reveals that the prevalence of stunting and underweight of under-five children in India are higher than Bangladeshi children. Secondary and higher educated mothers are more likely of having normal HAZ and WAZ children than up to primary educated mothers for both countries. Chances of having normal HAZ and WAZ are higher among non-poor category for both countries. The present study also shows that immunization status of Bangladeshi children is better than Indian children except measles. Religion of mother also shows influence on immunization status of children in India whereas Bangladesh shows no significant results regarding religion. Mother’s educational attainment and wealth index show influence on immunization status among children for both countries.ConclusionsThe study concludes that a remarkable number of under-five children are suffering from under nutrition for both countries, however Bangladeshi children have better nutritional and immunization status compared to Indian children. Higher wealth index, better educational attainment and lower unemployment of Bangladeshi mothers may be the causes for better nutritional and immunization status of children. Mother’s socio-economic factors have significant impact on determining the child’s health status. Our findings can help to government of Indian and Bangladesh for taking health policy to improve under-five children nutritional and immunization status.

Determinants of time-trends in exclusivity and continuation of breastfeeding in India: An investigation from the National Family Health Survey

Breastfeeding is an essential key factor for reducing child mortality and the risk of disease. Therefore, to ensure health and wellbeing for all (Sustainable Development Goal 03), and to reduce inequalities in child health status (SDG 10), understanding the determinants of breastfeeding is essential. Our research aims to investigate determinants of different breastfeeding practices from 2005–06 (NFHS-3) to 2015–16 (NFHS-4), and changes in different breastfeeding practices among various demographic, social, religious, and economic groups during this decade. We have used a multivariate binary logistic regression model to estimate significant determinants of different breastfeeding practices. The results show an 8.4% hike in Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF), along with a 3.3% and 1% drop in the Continuation of Breastfeeding (CBF) up to one and two years respectively during this decade in India. Significant variation has been found in EBF, CBF1 and CBF2 among various categories of child's birth interval, place of residence, social groups, economic communities, and geographic regions. Maternal nutritional status and anemia levels had significant influence on CBF1 and CBF2, and gender of the children on EBF and CBF2 from 2005–06 to 2015–16. There was no significant variation in CBF1 and CBF2 among children born in different birth orders, whereas EBF was significantly less among higher birth orders children. A dramatic improvement in EBF was found among first birth ordered children, teenage and/or highly educated mother, rich families, and in north India, and CBF2 was significantly raised only among higher educated mothers. The estimation of determinants throughout the decade is essential for improving government policies related to supporting and encouraging breastfeeding. The study suggests more initiatives and investment for the promotion, support and improvement of CBF for one and two years, and reduction of inequality among various demographic and socio-economic groups and geographic regions.