Using data from the Demographic and Health Survey (EDST-II), the study first
constructed a composite index that characterized non-monetary assets. It then identified
the determinants of child malnutrition by correlating both the non-monetary wealth and
the socio-demographic characteristics of households. Among the characteristics specific
to the child, age and sex are the main explanatory factors of child health status. Parental
education has a positive impact on the improvement of the child’s nutritional status, in
particular in rural areas. Moreover, the household’s wealth level has a positive impact
on child health and nutritional status in both rural and urban areas.