Association of parental characteristics with offspring anthropometric failure, anaemia and mortality in India

Abstract

This study used a wide range of information on parental sociodemographic, physical and behavioural characteristics as well as on the presence of non-communicable diseases among parents and examined the association of these attributes with anthropometric failure, anaemia and mortality of their children aged 0–59 months. Findings revealed that children of fathers aged 30–39 years were less likely to experience anthropometric failure and anaemia; however, survival of children of fathers below 18 years at marriage could be threatened. Parental education had protective association with children’s anthropometric failure, anaemia and under-five mortality. With increasing maternal height, children had lower odds of anthropometric failure and under-five mortality. Tobacco use by mothers was associated with increase in under-five mortality, and children with diabetic fathers had higher odds of under-five mortality.