Analysis of Potential Association Between Women’s and Children’s Health Status, Physical Development, and Household Food Security

Abstract

This paper assessed the harmful impact of poverty, food insecurity, and poor nutrition on the health of children and  women in terms of multiple social and environmental determinants not adequately addressed by standard policies. The  most frequent height-for-age index was statistically and significantly associated with the child’s respiratory infection,  diarrhoea, and fever. Household dietary diversity scores correlated with stunting in children. Children’s growth  retardation was associated with birthweight and breastfeeding practices. The mother’s HIV/AIDS status had a strong  association with their tuberculosis status. The prevalence of tuberculosis was significantly highest among young  women. Household dietary diversity was statistically and significantly associated with the mother’s body mass index.  The association between health status and child growth delay, mother’s nutritional status, and household food and  nutrition security is now established. High morbidity and malnutrition among children and female-headed households  are both a violation of human dignity and an obstacle to community development.