Modelling the Health of Filipino Children

This paper estimates dynamic models for nutrient intakes, height, weight and morbidity spells by using longitudinal data on 312 children between the ages 1 and 10 years from the Bukidnon region of the Philippines. The analysis attempts to integrate the biomedical aspects of anthropometric assessment with the behavioural factors affecting health. The time dimension of child health is emphasized and a triangular system of equations for height, weight and morbidity spells is estimated. The empirical results show positive associations between protein intake and the children's heights and a negative association between β-carotene intake and an index of morbidity. Also, the susceptible children can be identified by using anthropometric variables.