Community Infrastructure and Price Dynamics un Adult Health in China

Shu Wen Ng, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Barry M. Popkin, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The body mass index (BMI) of Chinese adults have been increasing dramatically. Community level changes over time such as infrastructural development and prices can affect people’s decisions regarding their diet and the level of physical activity they engage in. This paper uses six-waves of comprehensive longitudinal data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) to measure how infrastructure development and changes in real prices over time relate to changes in caloric intake and physical activity, while controlling for individual characteristics. Preliminary findings indicate that market accessiblity are negatively related to activity levels and higher fuel prices is positively related to activity levels. Meanwhile, individual living in communities with higher education institutions, better health facilities, and have higher food prices have lower caloric intake. Also, improved market accessibility, economic opportunities and lower food prices are positively related to BMI.