Violent Conflict and Breastfeeding: The Case of Iraq

Arbeitspapier

This study explores the relationship between armed conflict and breastfeeding practices of Iraqi mothers. Using a unique pairing of the Iraq Body Count database, in conjunction with the 2006 and 2011 Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys for Iraq, we find that increases in conflict-related casualties are associated with a decline in breastfeeding incidence, with some mixed results on breastfeeding duration. We also explore a number of potential causal channels, including interactions with household wealth and accessibility of formula. The results are informative in the context of designing policy aimed at stabilizing the long-term health and productivity of populations in conflict areas.

Object Details

• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Series: IZA Discussion Papers ; No. 10937

Classification and Topics

• Classification: Wirtschaft ; Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances; Revolutions ; Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth ; Demographic Economics: Public Policy
• Subject: conflict ; breastfeeding ; Middle East ; Iraq

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Geistige Schöpfung
• (who): Diwakar, Vidya ; Malcolm, Michael ; Naufal, George S
• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (who): Institute of Labor Economics (IZA)
• (where): Bonn
• (when): 2017

Further information

• Handle: http://hdl.handle.net/10419/170921
• Last update: 10.03.2025, 11:45 AM CET