The regression coefficient for an independent variable tells us how much the
standard deviation units of the dependent variable changes for a one-unit change
in the independent variable, when all the other independent variables are held
constant. For example, ZWApred changes by 0.173 units for a unit change in
EDUCSPOUS when the other independent variables are held constant.
Table 10.3 provides the estimates of the determinants of height for age
Z-scores. As before, we estimate two models for height for age Z-scores. In the
first model, the impact of income on stunting is examined while, in the second
model, the income effect is separated out and the impact of food insecurity as
measured by INSECURE is examined. This variable is included as the regressor,
since it fits the data better as a determinant of long-term nutritional status.
Table 10.3 shows that the impact of maternal education on stunting significantly
declines compared to the determinants of underweight. On the other
hand, health environmental conditions, such as the prevalence of diarrhea, have
a larger impact on stunting after controlling for the impact of the other
independent variables.