Sanitation and child health in India

• DOI: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2018.02.005
• Publication Date: 2018-03-18T19:43:39Z
• Authors: Britta Augsburg; Paul Andrés Rodrí...
• Keywords: Endogeneity; Instrumental variable; Improved sanitation

Our study contributes to the understanding of key drivers stunted growth, a factor widely recognized as major impediment human capital development. Specifically, we examine effects sanitation coverage and usage on child height for age in semi-urban setting Northern India. Although – broadly defined hygienic means promoting health through prevention contact with hazards wastes, particularly waste has long been acknowledged an indispensable element disease primary care programmes, large number recent impact evaluation studies interventions low income countries fail find any improvements. We address endogeneity instrumental variable approach, exploiting variation raw material construction prices. Doing so, that plays significant positive role growth during first years life this causal relationship holds girls. findings suggest policy aims increase context such one studied here, is not only effective reducing stunting but also implicitly targets