Relationship between maternal characteristics and stunting in children aged 0 to 23 months in the Philippines
https://doi.org/10.31246/mjn-2021-0010
- Author:
Alea Paula V. Hinojosa
1
,
2
;
Nancy A. Tandang
1
,
2
;
Divine Grace C. Domingo
1
,
2
Author Information
1. Institute of Statistics, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Banos
2. 2Institute of Human Nutrition and Food, College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Banos
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
stunting, maternal factors, length-for-age, education, young children
- From:
Malaysian Journal of Nutrition
2021;27(No.3):411-420
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Stunting is the most prevalent form of child malnutrition worldwide,
and is the best overall indicator of growth. This study aimed to determine the
relationship between maternal characteristics and nutritional status of children
aged 0-23 months based on their length/height-for-age. Method: The study
used data from the 2015 Updating Survey conducted by the Philippines’ Food and
Nutrition Research Institute – Department of Science and Technology. It employed
a stratified multi-stage sampling technique covering all regions in the Philippines.
Mothers (n=5,254) of sampled children 0-23 months were the respondents of the
Maternal Health and Nutrition survey. The length-for-age z-scores (LAZ) of children
and maternal characteristics were analysed. Rao-Scott Chi-square test was used for
association analysis. Logistic regression was performed for model fitting. Results:
A quarter (25.2%) of children aged 0-23 months in the Philippines at the time of
the survey were stunted, with the highest prevalence (36.2%) observed among
12-23 months. Children being stunted or normal in height was associated with
prenatal services, maternal nutritional status, education, and duration of lactation.
Maternal education (OR: 0.39; p=0.012), age-appropriate breastfeeding (OR: 0.63;
p=0.042), and prenatal services like tetanus toxoid vaccination (OR: 0.67; p=0.011)
and ultrasound (OR: 0.71; p=0.025) lowered the likelihood of a child being stunted.
Conclusion: It is recommended to strengthen and intensify service delivery among
pregnant and lactating women because of the implication of maternal factors to the
length-for-age status of children 0-23 months.
- Full text:4.2021my0552.pdf
