MODELING THE HEALTH OF FILIPINO CHILDREN

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