A demanda de saúde infantil no Brasil por região e setor

Abstract

This study estimates reduced form health demand equations for infants and preschool children based on a national survey undertaken in 1989. The data permitted an analysis of specific regions and sectors (urban/rural) in Brazil. The general objectives are to analyze the factors affecting the child's health status to orient government policies. The analysis is based on a household model developed by Gary Becker. The results indicate that mothers' education, household infrastructure and household income have a positive impact on children's health. The coefficients of the father's and mother's estimated wage rates have negative signs indicating that less time is allocated to the child's care as the opportunity cost of the parents' time increases. From the results obtained it can be recommended improvments in the quality and quantity of subsidized child care centers, mainly in poor regions, and investments in education and infrastructure as ways to improve children's health.