Work

Household income, malnutrition, and mortality in China

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The study investigated the relationship between household income, malnutrition, and mortality in China based on longitudinal data collected at five-year intervals from 1995 to 2020. Accordingly, trends in adult female, adult male, and infant mortality were examined together with changes in household income and undernourishment prevalence. The results show a steady decline in mortality in every group, whereas malnutrition fell precipitously, especially after 2010. Household income was rather volatile but generally increased in later years, matching the decline in mortality. Graphical evidence suggests that there are inverse relationships between mortality and income, as well as between mortality and malnutrition. This is reflected in the correlation matrix, with all co-movements strong because of common downward trends over time. Overall, improved household welfare, enhanced nutritional status, and health system strengthening all seemed to contribute to the better health status of the population in China. Based on these results, the study recommends continued investment in nutrition programs, expanded social welfare measures to support household income, and further strengthening of maternal and child healthcare services to sustain progress in reducing mortality.

Source: African Journal of Reproductive Health

DOI: 10.29063/ajrh2026/v30i3.15

Authors: Biao Geng, Ju Yang, Chenglei Sun, Daoning Wu

Institutions: West Anhui University, Guangzhou Vocational College of Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Global Maternal and Child Health

Subfield: Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, No poverty, Reduced inequalities, Zero hunger

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7129719019

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