Is Early Childhood Height-for-Age Associated with the Work Status of Young Adults in Cebu, Philippines?

Delia B. Carba, University of San Carlos
Vivencia Tan, University of San Carlos

Studies on early childhood health looked at the associations of height-for-age on earnings capacity as reflected in schooling success. This paper, however, considers what happens when children become young adults and have for the most part completed schooling. It examines if height-for-age at age two affects work status in early adulthood and gender differences. This question has not been explored, because it requires data on individuals both in their childhood and when they are young adults. Data from the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey are used which cover individuals from birth to ages 20-22. We examine work status in 2005, whether not working, in informal, and formal jobs in relation to height-for-age at age two. Results reveal gender differences with taller males more likely to be working formal jobs compared to those not working, and taller females more likely to be in the formal than in the informal sector.