Cross-Cultural Variation in Family Influences on Child Health

Tim B. Heaton, Brigham Young University
Renata Forste, Brigham Young University
John P. Hoffmann, Brigham Young University

Based on the Van Norren and Van Vianen model of child health and the family process literature, we focus on family interaction and resource variables that influence infant survival and child health. Using DHS, we analyze the influence of these factors across thirty-nine countries. In addition, we consider country level variables and their influence on child well-being. Our study addresses four questions: First, we seek to understand which of the family and household measures is most important in predicting infant morality and child health. Second, we examine cross-national variability in the strength of influence of family and household factors on child health outcomes. We consider which country level factors in our analyses are most important in predicting infant mortality and child health. Finally, we examine the interaction between country and the household model to see if country factors moderate the effect of household and family measures on child health.