Factors associated with stunting in Dodoma region, Tanzania

Abstract

Child undernutrition is a major public health concern, claiming the lives of numerous children below five years of age in the developing world. The objective of this study was to assess the factors associated with stunting of children of age 6-23 months in Dodoma Municipality and Chamwino District in Dodoma region. Dodoma region located in the central zone of Tanzania was chosen for this study because of its high prevalence (56%) of stunting among children under five years of age. A systematic random sampling technique was used to choose wards, villages, and households that had children aged 6-23 months, resulting in 394 households participating in this cross-sectional study. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic information and infant feeding practices. Anthropometric measurements were taken as per WHO standard procedures. A repeated 24-hour dietary recall was used to assess food intake among the study population. Multivariate logistic regression using backward stepwise selection method was used to obtain independent factors of stunting. The overall prevalence of stunting was 40.4% (95% CI; 29.8; 50.9), Chamwino District had a higher prevalence of stunting (44.3%) compared to Dodoma municipality (26.3%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that, age of introduction of complementary food [AOR = 13.3; (95% CI: 2.6-67.6)], maternal education [AOR = 5.5; (95% CI: 1.0-9.8)], residence in Chamwino District [AOR = 3.2; (95% CI: 1.3-5.9)] were factors associated with stunting. About half of the study population (49%) was introduced to complementary foods early, the median age was four months instead of 6 months as recommended by WHO. Infant's diet was mainly cereal-based, other foods such as animal food source, fruits, and dairy products were consumed by 18%, 11% and 7.1% of children respectively. The dietary pattern of infants was not diversified as 47.7% of infants scored 1 to 3 points out of 12 points categorized as low dietary diversity. Failure to attain normal growth pattern is the most prevalent form of undernutrition in childhood. Associated factors are many, diverse and interrelated. The present study identified maternal education, early introduction of complementary foods and being a resident of Chamwino District as factors to be associated with stunting. Prioritization of identified factors serves as a highlight for better planning of nutrition intervention programs that intend to promote child growth.

A comparative analysis of determinants of low birth weight and stunting among under five children of adolescent and non-adolescent mothers using 2015/16 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS)

“…We also found high odds of stunting as child age increases. This agrees with the study conducted in Tanzania [ 41 ] which showed that the risk of stunted increases as children approach their second year of life. Suboptimal breastfeeding (specifically, non-exclusive breastfeeding) and complementary feeding that is limited in quantity, quality and variety could be the factors that increases risk of stunting on children as age increases [ 42 ].…”

“…Our study found, stunting in female children decreased by 23% as compared to male child. This agrees with studies conducted in Tanzania, Afghanistan and Ghana [40][41][42] which showed that boys were disadvantaged in term of stunting status than girls. Inadequate amount of food, culture preference and physical activeness might be the leading factors for stunting among male children compared to girls.…”

Burden of moderate to severe anaemia and severe stunting in children < 3 years in conflict-hit Mount Cameroon: a community based descriptive cross-sectional study

“…Most parents/caregivers in these areas are farmers with primary or no formal education while the few with tertiary education are employed by the state in state institutions. The high occurrence of stunting in children whose parent had tertiary education is unusual when several authors have reported the contrary [ 46 – 48 ]. This probably highlights the precarious conditions in conflict-hit areas where breakdown in the farm to market channels severely affects even the economically viable.…”

Burden of moderate to severe anaemia and severe stunting in children ≤ 3 years in conflict hit Mount Cameroon: a community based descriptive cross-sectional study

“…Most parents/caregivers in these areas are farmers with primary or no formal education while the few with tertiary education are employed by the state in state institution. The high occurrence of stunting in children whose parent had tertiary education is unusual when several authors have reported the contrary [46,47,48]. This probably highlights the precarious conditions in conflict hit areas where breakdown in the farm to market channels severely affects even the economically viable.…”