Risk factors of stunting during the complementary feeding period 6-23 months in the Philippines
https://doi.org/10.31246/mjn-2020-0112
- Author:
Mildred O. Guirindola
1
;
Eva A. Goyena
1
;
Ma. Lynell V. Maniego
1
Author Information
1. Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Taguig City, Philippines
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Stunting, complementary feeding, 1000 days, Philippines
- From:
Malaysian Journal of Nutrition
2021;27(No.1):123-140
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Stunting persists as a public health problem in the Philippines,
affecting 30% of under-five children. This study aimed to identify the drivers of
stunting in young Filipino children aged 6-23 months. Methods: Data were
extracted from the cross-sectional Updating Survey conducted in 2015 by the Food
and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology
(FNRI-DOST). Potential predictors of stunting, which were categorised into childrelated characteristics, feeding practices, maternal socio-demographic status and
health practices, and household economic and food security status, were examined
using descriptive and regression analyses. Results: Of the 2,275 children aged 6-23
months, 18.7% were stunted and 8.3% were severely stunted. The risk of stunting
increased significantly among older children aged 12-23 months (relative risk ratio,
RRR 3.04), males within 6-23 months of age (RRR 1.99), and low-birth-weight
infants (RRR 2.19). Children born from teenage mothers (RRR 1.90), mothers with
short stature (RRR 2.33), and mothers with low education (RRR 1.59) posed higher
risks of becoming stunted relative to their counterparts. Mothers with >4 children
(RRR 2.44), coming from the poorest households (RRR 4.27), having untimely
introduction of complementary foods (RRR 4.44), and not meeting the minimum
meal frequency (RRR 2.30) increased the risks of severe stunting. Conclusion: The
study illustrated the multi-factorial nature of stunting among Filipino children aged
6-23 months old. Therefore, a multi-sectoral approach is needed to address the
underlying factors of stunting among young Filipino children to help achieve the
country’s nutrition targets by 2025.
- Full text:4.2021my0529.pdf