Child growth & development in rural Papua New Guinea: - Insights from new anthropometric data

36% of sample children under 5 are stunted in their growth ▪ A child is considered stunted if they have an extreme deviation from the WHO growth standard (- 2 standard deviations) o The median HAZ score for the survey sample is below the WHO growth standard (black line), but not below -2 standard deviations of the standard (red line). [...] • Reduces total sample because need matched mother / child anthropometric data What factors are associated with child growth (HAZ)? Statistically Significant Regression Variables Mother’s height (cm) Controlling for: Highest education level in household (grade completed) • Mother’s age • Location strata (fixed effects) Child age (months) • Household size Child is female (1/0) • Household experienc. [...] *** p<0.01, ** p<0.05, * p<0.10 Controlling for: ▪ This holds true for both • Mother’s age • Location strata (fixed effects) • Adult respondent washed hands yesterday regressions, whether or not you • Household size • Child washed hands yesterday control for biological mother’s • Household experienced tribal dispute • Drinking water treatment height • Household experienced drought in the last 5 ye. [...] 49% 50% ▪ Flush/pour flush toilet ▪ Pit latrine with cover 40% 32% ▪ Ventilated improved toilet 30% ▪ Composting toilet 20% 10% ▪ Pit toilet or latrine with a cover is the most common improved toilet across the sample (32% of households) 0% All households Seasonal Non-seasonal Seasonal Non-seasonal Islands Highlands Highlands Lowlands Lowlands ▪ Most of the households in the Flush/ pour flush toil. [...] 2013) % of households that receive advice on What can be done? ▪ Educate and advocate for better women’s health ▪ Nutrition and health of mothers is important even before the child is born ▪ Need to recognize increased nutrient needs of adolescent girls and mothers ▪ Help households plan how many children to have, and when ▪ Involve fathers and men in these activities – women can’t do it alone! ▪.