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Is there Catch-Up Growth? Evidence from Three Continents.
Sudhanshu Handa1, Amber Peterman2
1Department of Public Policy, CB #3435 Abernethy Hall, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC. 27599-3435, United States.
Oxford Bulletin of Economics and Statistics
|August 1, 2019
Summary
Childhood malnutrition can persist, but catch-up growth is possible. Public policy interventions, especially before age two, can improve long-term nutrition outcomes for children.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Public health
- Economics
Background:
- Early childhood malnutrition has lasting economic and social impacts.
- Catch-up growth is known clinically but its effectiveness in impoverished settings without intensive intervention is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the persistence of nutritional status in early childhood.
- To determine if early nutritional status impacts later nutritional status in children.
- To identify family and community factors mediating nutritional state dependence.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of longitudinal panel data from China, South Africa, and Nicaragua.
- Examination of state dependence in linear growth among young children.
- Investigation of mediating factors in household and community environments.
Main Results:
- Strong, though imperfect, persistence in nutritional status was observed across all countries.
- Catch-up growth is possible, but unobserved household behaviors can hinder it.
- Early interventions (under 24 months) show potential to significantly alter nutrition outcomes in South Africa and Nicaragua.
Conclusions:
- Nutritional status in early childhood exhibits significant state dependence.
- Targeted public policies influencing household behaviors can improve childhood nutrition.
- Interventions during the critical first 24 months are crucial for long-term nutritional health.
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