Long-term Impact of Child Nutrition Status on Current Nutrition Status and Education: A Case Study from Rural Cambodia

Abstract

The nutrition status in early childhood affects child’s healthy development and acquisition of education and human capital, and health status and productivity in adulthood. The objective of this study is to explore the long-term impact of (childhood) nutrition status on the current BMI (Body Mass Index) and education of individuals, by focusing on rural Cambodia. From the estimation results of longitudinal data analysis, I found that the past nutrition status, measured by height for age and weight for age z-scores, is positively associated with the current nutrition status. In addition, children who have had better nutrition are more likely to have a higher number of years of schooling.