This paper sets out a simple non-cooperative model of resource allocation within the household in developing countries that incorporates domestic violence as a vehicle for enhancing bargaining power. We demonstrate that the extent of domestic violence faced by women is not necessarily declining in their reservation utilities, or necessarily increasing in their spouses'. Using the National Family Health Survey data of India for 1998-99, we isolate the effect of domestic violence on female autonomy, taking into account the possible endogeneity of domestic violence through the choice of appropriate instruments. We provide some evidence for the evolutionary theory of domestic violence, which argues that such violence stems from the jealousy caused by paternity uncertainty in our evolutionary past. The findings have strong policy implications suggesting that it will take more than an improvement in women's employment options to address the problem of spousal violence. JEL classification: J16, D7Violence conjugale et autonomie des femmes dans les pays en voie de développement : théorie et résultats. Ce mémoire met en place un modèle simple d'allocation de ressources sans collaborationà l'intérieur d'un ménage dans des pays en voie de développement où la violence conjugale est un véhicule utilisé pour accroître le pouvoir de marchandage. On montre que l'importance de la violence conjugale faite aux femmes ne décline pas nécessairement avec leurs exigences minimales, non plus qu'elle s'accroît avec les exigences minimales de leursépoux. A l'aide des résultats de l'Enquête nationale sur la santé des familles de l'Inde pour 1998-99, on précise l'effet de la violence conjugale sur l'autonomie des femmes, en tenant compte de l'endogénéité possible de la violence conjugaleà l'aide d'instruments appropriés. On fournit un certain supportà la théorieévolutionnaire de la Without implicating them, we would like to thank Domestic violence and women's autonomy 1223 violence conjugale, laquelle suggère que cette violenceémerge de la jalousie causée par l'incertitude de la paternité dans notre passéévolutionnaire. Les résultats ont de fortes implications pour la politique publique : ils suggèrent qu'il faudra beaucoup plus qu'une amélioration dans les opportunités d'emploi des femmes pour résoudre le problème de la violence conjugale.

Objective: Despite a rapidly growing economy and rising income levels in India, improvements in child malnutrition have lagged. Data from the most recent National Family Health Survey reveal that the infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices recommended by the WHO and the Indian Government, including the timely introduction of solid food, are not being followed by a majority of mothers in India. It is puzzling that even among rich households children are not being fed adequately. The present study analyses the socioeconomic factors that contribute to this phenomenon, including the role of nutritional information. Design: IYCF practices from the latest National Family Health Survey (2005)(2006) were analysed. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to establish the determinants of poor feeding practices. The indicators recommended by the WHO were used to assess the IYCF practices. Setting: India. Subjects: Children (n 9241) aged 6-18 months. Results: Wealth was shown to have only a small effect on feeding practices. For children aged 6-8 months, the mother's wealth status was not found to be a significant determinant of sound feeding practices. Strikingly, nutritional advice on infant feeding practices provided by health professionals (including anganwadi workers) was strongly correlated with improved practices across all age groups. Exposure to the media was also found to be a significant determinant. Conclusions: Providing appropriate information may be a crucial determinant of sound feeding practices. Efforts to eradicate malnutrition should include the broader goals of improving knowledge related to childhood nutrition and IYCF practices. In India, an alarming 43 % of children less than 3 years of age are stunted, 48 % are underweight and 17 % are wasted, according to the latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS; (1) Keywords

Improved care seeking for childhood diarrhoea in India is still constrained by access to a health facility and requires expansion and strengthening of the public health system. The caregivers, especially the mothers need to be educated about the importance of seeking timely treatment and the benefits of oral rehydration solution.

In the United States, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) experience more adverse health outcomes and report mistreatment during pregnancy and birth care. The rights to bodily autonomy and consent are core components of high‐quality health care. To assess experiences of coercion and nonconsent for procedures during perinatal care among racialized service users in the United States, we analyzed data from the Giving Voice to Mothers (GVtM‐US) study. Methods In a subset analysis of the full sample of 2700, we examined survey responses for participants who described the experience of pressure or nonconsented procedures or intervention during perinatal care. We conducted multivariable logistic regression analyses by racial and ethnic identity for the outcomes: pressure to have perinatal procedures (eg, induction, epidurals, episiotomy, fetal monitoring), nonconsented procedures performed during perinatal care, pressure to have a cesarean birth, and nonconsented procedures during vaginal births. Results Among participants (n = 2490), 34% self‐identified as BIPOC, and 37% had a planned hospital birth. Overall, we found significant differences in pressure and nonconsented perinatal procedures by racial and ethnic identity. These inequities persisted even after controlling for contextual factors, such as birthplace, practitioner type, and prenatal care context. For example, more participants with Black racial identity experienced nonconsented procedures during perinatal care (AOR 1.89, 95% CI 1.35–2.64) and vaginal births (AOR 1.87, 95% CI 1.23–2.83) than those identifying as white. In addition, people who identified as other minoritized racial and ethnic identities reported experiencing more pressure to accept perinatal procedures (AOR 1.55, 95% CI 1.08–2.20) than those who were white. Discussion There is a need to address human rights violations in perinatal care for all birthing people with particular attention to the needs of those identifying as BIPOC. By eliminating mistreatment in perinatal care, such as pressure to accept services and nonconsented procedures, we can help mitigate long‐standing inequities.

Improved intake of micronutrient-rich foods can increase birth weight.