Factors associated with stunting among infants and young children in the Fourth District of Camarines Sur, Philippines
https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.vi0.10849
- Author:
Jeena Sandra R. Manrique-de Hitta
1
,
2
;
Kim Leonard G. Dela luna
1
;
Anna Paulina S. Rodriguez
1
;
Mildred O. Guirindola
3
Author Information
1. Department of Nutrition, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
2. College of Public Safety and Community Health, Partido State University, Lagonoy, Camarines Sur, Philippines
3. Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Taguig City, Philippines
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH:
Human;
growth disorders;
risk factors;
nutritional status;
infant nutrition disorders
- From:
Acta Medica Philippina
2024;58(Early Access 2024):1-10
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objective:This study aimed to investigate the determinants linked to stunting among infants and young children aged 0-23 months in the Fourth District of Camarines Sur.
Methods:An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 628 primary caregivers with infants and young children aged 0-23 months in four municipalities of the Fourth District of Camarines Sur, Philippines, using a twostage stratified random sampling design. Data on sociodemographic and economic factors were collected through face-to-face interviews. Infant and young child feeding (IYCF) indicators were assessed using a list-based approach, while weight and length were evaluated using the World Health Organization Anthro Plus software. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression were done using R statistical software version 4.3.1.
Results:The study revealed that the prevalence of stunting was of significant public health concern, reaching 42.8%. Holding other variables constant, age of the child (OR=0.77; 95% CI: 0.63-0.94), having college undergraduate mothers (OR=0.26; 95% CI: 0.05-1.28), and belonging to a poor income household (OR=0.40; 95% CI: 0.14-0.88) were associated with stunting among infants aged 0.01-6.00 months. Moreover, after controlling for the confounding effects of other variables, age (OR=1.09; 95% CI: 1.05-1.14) and sex of the child (OR=1.55; 95% CI: 1.05-2.28) were associated with stunting among older children aged 6.00-23.99 months.
Conclusion:This study emphasizes the challenge of stunting in the Fourth District of Camarines Sur. None of the IYCF indicators were associated with stunting; however, maternal education, the child’s age, sex, and socioeconomic status were identified as significant factors influencing stunting. Addressing these determinants through targeted interventions focusing on improving maternal education and enhancing socio-economic conditions were crucial to reducing stunting in the study areas.
- Full text:20241106110709480453.pdf
