Inequalities in undernutrition among Roma and non-Roma children in Western Balkans: an analysis of the determinants

Childhood undernutrition affects physical and cognitive growth and is strongly associated with morbidity and mortality. Roma children in Western Balkans display to date incomparably higher levels of undernutrition, compared to non-Roma children. Employing logistic regression models, we explore the determinants of such dramatic differences using Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys carried out in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia in the period 2011-2013 and 2018-2020. Children’s age, number of children in the household, type of place of residence and age of the mother at birth are found be especially important factors. In particular, we find substantial differences in the role played by child age on the risk of undernutrition among Roma and non-Roma children.