Measuring housing deprivation and child health disparities among slum dwellers in Delhi

This study examines housing deprivation and its influence on child health outcomes specifically BMI, height-for-age, weight-for-age, and weight-for-height by employing probit regression and multiple linear regression models to identify key determinants and assess the role of demographic and socioeconomic factors. The analysis is based on primary data collected from 339 households comprising 1525 individuals which includes 96 children under five years of age across seven slum-dominated districts of Delhi, selected through purposive sampling. Data were gathered from a cross-sectional survey conducted in these areas. The analysis reveals that maternal and household characteristics significantly influence child health outcomes; notably, a mother’s BMI positively correlates with her child’s BMI, whereas households with multiple children under five and those headed by females tend to report lower BMI in children. The findings underscore the pivotal roles maternal and household characteristics play in shaping child health, suggesting targeted interventions could markedly enhance child health metrics. Deprivation levels, wealth status, and access to private medical care are critical for improving height-for-age among children. By integrating these insights, policymakers and program designers could formulate strategies that focus on reducing housing deprivation, supporting female-led households, and enhancing resource access for families with young children, thereby mitigating district-level health disparities.