Prevalence and predictors of growth stunting in children within 1,000 days in dry zone, Pakokku Township, Myanmar
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Abstract
Background : Under - nutrition is leading to a global public health problem associated with child morbidity and mortality especially low and middle income countries, Myanmar was also still facing under nutrition especially growth stunting is the highest rate compared with others.
Objective : To explore the prevalence and predictors of growth stunting in children among 1,000 days in Dry Zone, Pakokku Township, Myanmar.
Methods : A cross-sectional and community based study was conducted with 393 participants. Multi-stage sampling technique was drawn to select these respondents at Pakokku Township in Myanmar. Data were collected from mothers with children under 2 years of age. Using 6 parts of structured questionnaires by face - to - face interview. Emergency Nutrition Assessment (ENA) smart software was used for nutritional status assessment based on WHO’s references to calculate child’s height to get Z score (standard deviation score). Stunting was assessed by comparing the body length with age. It could be categorized as stunting when the body length is less than -2 compared to standard deviation. Chi-square and multiple logistic regression were performed to examine
factors associated with stunting.
Results : The prevalence of stunting was 14.8 %. The following factors were significantly associated with stunting: children in large family size (more than 2 children) (AOR=2.13, 95% CI 1.05 - 4.31), children aged 13 to 24 months (AOR = 4.52, 95% CI 1.20 - 16.9), children were born with low birth weight and small gestation period (AOR = 3.26, 95% CI 1.34 - 7.95 and AOR = 2.67, 95% CI 1.33 - 5.43), mothers with shorter height (< 145 cm) (AOR = 3.84, 95% CI 1.29 - 11.48) (P <0.05).
Conclusion : Maternal factors were mainly associated with child’s stunting. Nutrition investments should be added for the young especially those under two years old. Nutrition promotion should be focused for both mother
and child since the mother is pregnant. Family planning service should be provided and promoted to mothers in this area.