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Improved estimates of child malnutrition trends in Bangladesh using remote-sensed data

Author

Listed:
  • Sumonkanti Das

    (Australian National University)

  • Syed Abul Basher

    (East West University)

  • Bernard Baffour

    (Australian National University)

  • Penny Godwin

    (Australian National University)

  • Alice Richardson

    (Australian National University)

  • Salim Rashid

    (East West University)

Abstract

This study investigates the trends in chronic malnutrition (stunting) among young children across Bangladesh’s 64 districts and 544 sub-districts from 2000 to 2018. We utilized remote-sensed data–nighttime light intensity to indicate urbanization, and environmental factors like precipitation and vegetation levels–to examine patterns of stunting. Our primary data source was the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey, conducted six times within the study period. Using Bayesian multilevel time-series models, we integrated cross-sectional, temporal, and spatial data to estimate stunting rates for years not covered by the direct survey information. This approach, enhanced by remote-sensed data, allowed for greater prediction accuracy by incorporating information from neighboring areas. Our findings show a significant reduction in national stunting rates, from nearly 50% in 2000 to about 30% in 2018. Despite this overall progress, some districts have consistently high levels of stunting, while others show fluctuating levels. Our model gives more precise sub-district estimates than previous methods, which were limited by data gaps. The study highlights Bangladesh’s advancements in reducing child stunting, highlighting the value of integrating remote-sensed data for more precise and credible analysis.

Suggested Citation

  • Sumonkanti Das & Syed Abul Basher & Bernard Baffour & Penny Godwin & Alice Richardson & Salim Rashid, 2024. "Improved estimates of child malnutrition trends in Bangladesh using remote-sensed data," Journal of Population Economics, Springer;European Society for Population Economics, vol. 37(4), pages 1-37, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:jopoec:v:37:y:2024:i:4:d:10.1007_s00148-024-01043-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s00148-024-01043-6
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Child malnutrition; Stunting; Small area estimation; Nighttime light; Climatic indices; Bayesian model; Sustainable development goals;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C11 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Bayesian Analysis: General
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • R12 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Size and Spatial Distributions of Regional Economic Activity; Interregional Trade (economic geography)

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