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. 2025 Jun 16;23(1):27.
doi: 10.1186/s12963-025-00384-y.

Linking mother's demographic disadvantages with children's demographic outcomes in India: a pseudo cohort study

Anjali Singh  1 , Dil B Rahut  2 , K K Singh  3
Affiliations

Linking mother's demographic disadvantages with children's demographic outcomes in India: a pseudo cohort study

Anjali Singh et al. Popul Health Metr. .

Abstract

Many studies have recognized that a woman's reproductive history influences the survival status of her fetus and the newborn. In the esteemed literature of demography, abundant evidence acknowledges the linkage between maternal exposure to offspring and their associated adult outcomes and the other way around. This study examines the link between maternal risk factors at birth and long-term outcomes for daughters in India. Using national health survey data, it focuses on three maternal risks: young age, high parity, and short birth intervals. Applying regression analysis to cohort data, the study finds these early-life disadvantages are associated with daughters experiencing stunted growth, undernutrition, child mortality, and low birth weight, as well as limited education and employment. Conversely, daughters of educated mothers have better outcomes, highlighting the importance of maternal education. The pseudo-cohort approach provides valuable longitudinal insights from cross-sectional surveys. The study underscores the need for policies promoting healthy reproductive practices and education access to improve long-term outcomes for women in India.

Keywords: Beta regression; Child development; Maternal risk; Pseudo cohort.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: Procedures and questionnaires for standard DHS surveys have been reviewed and approved by the ICF Institutional Review Board (IRB). Additionally, country-specific DHS survey protocols are reviewed by the ICF IRB and typically by an IRB in the host country. ICF IRB ensures that the survey complies with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regulations for the protection of human subjects (45 CFR 46), while the host country IRB ensures that the survey complies with the laws and norms of the nation. Consent for publication: The Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) Program obtained consent for publication at the time of the survey. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Schematic presentation of the study framework
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Average Proportions of the cohort for maternal risk factors by birth year of daughters
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Average Proportions of the cohort for reproductive health outcomes by birth year of daughters
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Average Proportions of the cohort for development outcomes by birth year of daughters
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Average Proportions of the cohort for socioeconomic outcomes by birth year of daughters
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Average Proportion (eliminated–observed) by the age of daughter at outcome survey, A: Difference in proportion of adults with height < 145 cm, B: Difference in proportion of adults with BMI < 18.5, C Difference in proportion of adult losing child under age 5, D: Difference in proportion of adult having small baby, E: Difference in proportion of adult with working status, F: Difference in proportion of adult’s average years of schooling
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