Abstract:
Globally, an estimated 139 million children are stunted with majority living in low and
middle-income countries. Stunting at early age has been associated with diminished
survival, impaired cognitive development and may be irreversible after the second year
of life. This study was carried out to establish the prevalence and determinants of stunting
among children aged below two years in Migori County, Kenya. A cross-sectional study
design was used with 91 children aged less than two years being recruited into the study.
Child’s age and height were collected, and stunting indices computed based on WHO
height-for-age Z-scores. The results showed 25% of the children were stunted with girls
recording higher prevalence at 28% and those aged between 12 and 18 months recording
highest prevalence at 31%. Of children whose mothers were married, 28% were stunted.
with 34% from families that pay less than Ksh 3,000 per month in house rent. Children
whose fathers earned less than Ksh 3,000 per month and paid less than Ksh 3,000 per
month on house rent had each four times higher odds of their children being stunted [OR:
4.48: 95% CI: 1.05-19.04; p=0.042] and [OR: 4.48: 95% CI: 0.0.95-21.00; p=0.049]
respectively. In conclusion, increase in father’s level of income should decrease stunting
levels among children aged below two years
