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International Journal of Public Health

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01-06-2013 | Original Article

Access to antenatal care and children’s cognitive development: a comparative analysis in Ethiopia, Peru, Vietnam and India

Authors: Mariachiara Di Cesare, Ricardo Sabates

Published in: International Journal of Public Health | Issue 3/2013

Abstract

Objectives

Early life interventions are considered essential for reducing the burden of health inequalities over the life course. This paper tests this issue empirically focusing on whether access to antenatal care can later reduce children’s health and educational inequalities.

Methods

Data came from the Young Lives Project for Ethiopia, Peru, Vietnam, and the State of Andhra Pradesh in India. We selected children born in early 2001/2002 and who were followed longitudinally in 2006/2007. We used multilevel mixed effects linear regression models to estimate the parameters of interest.

Results

We found a positive and significant relationship between mothers’ access to antenatal care and their children’s cognitive development in all countries. In addition, we found a positive and significant relationship between antenatal care and children’s cognitive development for stunted children but only in Peru and Vietnam.

Conclusions

We conclude that (1) antenatal care has the potential to change the negative consequences of early nutritional deficiencies on later cognitive development in Peru and Vietnam; (2) differentials in the quality of antenatal care services could explain the cross-country differentials in the role of early life interventions found here.

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Title: Access to antenatal care and children’s cognitive development: a comparative analysis in Ethiopia, Peru, Vietnam and India
Authors: Mariachiara Di Cesare
Ricardo Sabates
Publication date: 01-06-2013
Publisher: SP Birkhäuser Verlag Basel
Published in: International Journal of Public Health / Issue 3/2013
Print ISSN: 1661-8556
Electronic ISSN: 1661-8564
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-012-0418-1

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Access to antenatal care and children’s cognitive development: a comparative analysis in Ethiopia, Peru, Vietnam and India

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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