Prevalence and factors asssociated with child stunting in Migori County, Kenya

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