Regression analyses of the Philippine birth weight distribution

College

College of Science

Department/Unit

Mathematics and Statistics Department

Document Type

Article

Source Title

Philippine Statistician

Volume

62

Issue

2

First Page

31

Last Page

52

Publication Date

2013

Abstract

Low birth weight has both short-term and long-term effects. It can lead to complications among infants causing neonatal deaths. Several literatures also suggested relationships between low birth weight and delayed mental and physical development. These negative effects are further magnified in developing countries, one of which is the Philippines. In this paper, birth weight is analysed through logistic, ordinary least squares, and quantile regression techniques using a sample from the 2008 National Demographic and Health Survey. Quantile regression results offer a more dynamic picture of how these correlates affect the conditional distribution of birth weight. The estimates of the marginal effects of several demographical and maternal health correlates of birth weight suggest that socially and economically impoverished mothers are more likely to have low birth weight babies. These results would recommend a focus on improving maternal health care through proper education.

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Disciplines

Applied Mathematics

Keywords

Birth weight, Low—Philippines; Regression analysis

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