Statistical Models for Food Security and Nutritional Status of Mothers and under-Five Child Pairs in Tanzania

Fina T. Faustini, PhD Student - University of Dar es salaam
Amina Msengwa, Lecturer at University of Dar es Salaam
Ali Mniachi, Lecturer (Statistics) - University of Dar es Salaam

Improving the health of children and women is a priority around the world as stated in the agenda of Sustainable Development Goals 2 and 3. The main objective of this study is to assess linkages between food security and nutritional status of mothers and under-five child pairs in Tanzania using TDHS-MIS 2015-16 data. The study will use multivariate linear regression to examine the coexistence of forms of malnutrition among mothers and under-five child pairs and hence, address the dual burden of malnutrition. A multinomial logistic regression model will be used to examine linkages between food security and nutritional status of mother-child pairs. There is limited research on the nutritional status of mothers and child pairs, hence the study will help to address the dual burden of malnutrition at individual and household levels in Tanzania. The findings will help in improving nutritional intervention programmes to target both mothers and children.