Family structure and child anemia in Mexico

Utilizing longitudinal data from the nationally-representative Mexico Family Life Survey, this study assesses the association between family structure and iron-deficient anemia among children ages 3–12 in Mexico. The longitudinal models (n = 4649), which control for baseline anemia status and allow for consideration of family structure transitions, suggest that children living in stable-cohabiting and single-mother families and those who have recently experienced a parental union dissolution have higher odds of anemia than those in stable-married, father-present family structures. Interaction effects indicate that unmarried family contexts have stronger associations with anemia in older children (over age five); and, that the negative effects of parental union dissolution are exacerbated in poorer households. Resident maternal grandparents have a significant beneficial effect on child anemia independent of parental family structure. These results highlight the importance of family structure for child micronutrient deficiencies and suggest that understanding social processes within households may be critical to preventing child anemia in Mexico.

► Study of family contexts and anemia in children ages 3–12 using longitudinal data from Mexico.
► Results indicate higher odds of anemia for children in unmarried than married-parent households.
► Unmarried family structures increase odds of anemia more in older children than in those under age 6.
► Having a resident maternal grandparent is associated with lower odds of anemia in Mexican children.