Africa Knowledge Hub for Children

Peer-reviewed articleOpenAlex4 Dec 2025

Determinants Influencing the Occurrence of Stunting in Toddlers

This study aimed to examine the link between family socio-economic factors, environmental sanitation, and physical conditions of the home with the incidence of stunting in toddlers in densely populated areas of Padang City, West Sumatra. In 2025, a cross-sectional study using quantitative methods is conducted. The study population consists of all children aged 24 to 59 months. A purposive sampling method was used to select 75 toddlers who met the following inclusion criteria: they could be measured for anthropometry, had a complete KIA/KMS book, and were free from chronic diseases. Toddler height was measured in accordance with WHO 2006 anthropometry standards, home environmental conditions were observed, and structured interviews were administered to collect data. bivariate analysis showed that there is strong correlation between stunting and specific human environment and social factors. Toddlers from low-income families, with mothers having low levels of education, living in inadequate physical living environments may suffer more from underdevelopment disorders than their better situated counterparts do. The results of the univariate and multivariate analyses illustrate that stunting is a multidimensional problem that involves the interaction between the biological age of the child, the level of education of the mother, the condition of the physical environment of home, and the socioeconomic status of the family. This shows that continuous health education is needed to increase awareness and skills of families in meeting the nutritional needs of children optimally, especially in an environment prone to stunting, such as in the home environment.

Hermita Bus Umar, Dina Ayuning Tyas, Herma Herdyana et al.

Survival

Peer-reviewed articleOpenAlex1 Jun 2021

Nutrition Surveillance in Thailand-Myanmar Border Refugee Camps - Trends in Wasting and Stunting Over 8 Years

Biennial nutrition surveys are conducted in the 9 refugee camps situated along the Thailand-Myanmar border to examine trends in acute and chronic malnutrition; food consumption patterns; and household hunger. TBC and health agency partners conducted nutrition surveys of children 6–59 months (n = 3,780) in these camps May-November 2019. Random sampling was used to select households with children using TBC's Total Population Database. TBC trained and supervised health agencies and ethnic health departments in survey implementation. The WHO Growth Standards were used to analyze anthropometric data which were presented by prevalence. The Food Consumption, Nutritional Quality and Household Hunger Scale were used to determine diet diversity, quality and food deprivation. 2.2% of children surveyed were wasted (global acute malnutrition), considered “very low” (WHO). Wasting has remained unchanged since 2011. Although stunting prevalence was “high” (WHO) at 25.8% (range 13.6%-36.6%), there has been significant progress with a 15.0% reduction since 2011. Food Consumption Score was measure with 98.5% of households reporting an acceptable diet. While most households reported daily intake of protein and vitamin-rich foods, iron (heme) food sources were only consumed daily by about 1 in 3 households. Finally, 96.1%, 3.5% and 0.3% reported little to no hunger, moderate, and severe household hunger, respectively, similar to 2017 (97.7%, 2.2% and 0.1% reported little to no hunger, moderate hunger and severe hunger, respectively). Stunting negatively impacts not only individuals but entire nations, currently affecting 162 million children under the age of 5 years. While stunting remains a challenge in the 9 Thailand-Myanmar border refugee camps, a continued downward trend indicates significant progress since 2011, with a 15% reduction. Therefore, supporting recommended maternal and infant and young child feeding practices, including emphasis on diet quality, particularly for heme iron-rich foods for women of reproductive age and protein-rich foods for children, in innovative ways remains a priority. The Border Consortium.

Maria E. Bovill, Timothy Moore, Panrawee Praditsorn et al.

SurvivalMMTHRead at source

Peer-reviewed articleOpenAlex1 Nov 2018

Infant and young child feeding practices and nutritional status in Bhutan

Abstract In South Asia, childhood undernutrition persists while overweight is increasing. Internationally recommended infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices promote healthy nutritional status; however, little is known about IYCF in Bhutan, investigated here using 2015 National Nutrition Survey data. WHO/UNICEF IYCF indicators, anthropometry and household socio‐economic status were available for 441 children <24 months. Stunting, wasting, and underweight prevalence (<−2Z length‐for‐age [LAZ], weight‐for‐age, [WAZ] and weight‐for‐length [WLZ], respectively) were 15%, 9%, and 5%, respectively, whereas overweight (WLZ >2) prevalence was 6%. In survey‐design‐adjusted analyses, 52% of mothers of 0‐ to 5‐month olds reported exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), with EBF less common for girls than boys (OR: 0.2 [95% CI: 0.1–0.9]). Although 61% of children were breastfed at 2 years and 75% of children >6 months met a minimum daily meal frequency, only 18% of children 6–23 months met minimum dietary diversity. IYCF was unassociated with risk of stunting, wasting, or underweight, possibly due to relatively low prevalence of anthropometric failure and small sample size. However, currently‐breastfed children were less often overweight [OR: ~0.1 (95% upper limit ≤1.0)]. Neither breastfeeding nor most complementary feeding practices differed by socio‐economic status, but children in the highest two fifth of a wealth index had 7.8 (1.3–46.9) and 5.3 (1.1–25.2) times greater odds than children in the lowest fifth of meeting minimum dietary diversity criteria. Low rates of EBF, given possible protection of breastfeeding against overweight, and inadequate dietary diversity offer evidence to guide future program interventions to improve nutritional status of young children.

Rebecca Kramer Campbell, Víctor M. Aguayo, Yunhee Kang et al.

SurvivalBTRead at source

Peer-reviewed articleOpenAlex4 Aug 2023

Factors Affecting Stunting Among Toddlers Aged 24-25 Months

Toddler growth disorders with indicators of relatively short heights are usually called stunting. This study aims to determine factors related to stunting in toddlers aged 24-59 months in Tambakbaya Village, Cibadak Public Health Center. A case-control method was used for this research. The population in this study were all mothers who had toddlers aged 24-59 months in Tambakbaya Village. The sample used was 44 mothers, where the case and control groups had a ratio of 1:1. The Chi-square test was used to analyze the data. Statistical analysis found no association between maternal nutrition during pregnancy and child growth (height/weight) at 24–59 months (p = 0.472), birth weight (p = 0.488), birth length (p = 0.698), vaccination status (p = 0.412), growth (height/weight) at 24–59 months (p = 0.698). However, this study showed a potential risk of stunting as shown by the odds ratio (OR) value. This result was due to the high awareness of participation in the Integrated Health Center every month, which can detect stunting cases easily and quickly. This condition affects health workers’ immediate action to prevent and address the issues by providing additional nutrition. Maternal nutrition needs to be considered through monitoring the mother’s nutritional status during pregnancy through ANC and monitoring and improving child nutrition after birth, namely the first 1000 days of life. Keywords: birth length, birth weight stunting, immunization, nutrition

Anis Ervina, Daini Zulmi, Rita Ariesta et al.

SurvivalIDRead at source

Peer-reviewed articleOpenAlex1 Jan 2024

A Brief History of Child Nutrition Situation and Programme Interventions in Bangladesh

Since the independence in 1971, Bangladesh has madesteady progress in improving nutrition status of childrenin the country. As per the first nutrition survey afterindependence, “Nutrition Survey of Rural Bangladesh1975-76” carried out by the Institute of Nutrition and FoodScience (INFS), Dhaka University, revealed that 31% of12-23 months children and 28% of 24-35 months oldchildren were acutely malnourished; and 74% of children0-59 months old were stunted (moderate and severe). Nineout of ten families (i.e., 89%) were deficient in vitaminintake. The first nutrition survey in East Pakistan which is nowBangladesh, was conducted in 1962-64 but did not providemuch child-related data but found that over two-thirds ofthe daily diet consisted of rice, which was supplementedby curries, primarily of vegetables or fish, and Lentil.Milk and meat are consumed in small amounts, and fruitintake was only seasonal. Intake of cooking fats and oilswas scanty. The survey revealed that 46% of householdshad inadequate calorie intake. Carbohydrates constitutedabout 83% of the total calorie intake. Moreover, 85% ofthe people did not meet their recommended level of dailyprotein intake where almost 70% of protein was fromcereal proteins (plant sources) and only 14% was fromanimal sources. Eighty-four percent of all householdsconsumed less than the acceptable intake value of VitaminA (3,060 IU per person per day) and 40% of the populationhad deficient or low plasma concentration of Vitamin Aand carotene. As a result, night blindness was commonamong children and about 30,000 children became blindeach year. Also, about 25 percent of deaths under five wereattributable to Vitamin A deficiency.

Nawshad Ahmed

SurvivalBDPKRead at source

Peer-reviewed articleOpenAlex2 Dec 2024

Dampak Stunting Terhadap Kesehatan Anak: Narrative Review

Stunting in children is a global public health problem that has a significant impact on physical, cognitive and social development. This research analyzed ten studies that examined the relationship between stunting and various aspects of child development, including cognition, motor skills and behavior. The research methods used varied, including cohort studies, case-control studies, and cross-sectional designs, with populations consisting of children under seven years of age in various countries. The results showed that children who were stunted had lower cognitive and motor scores compared to non-stunting children. Additionally, environmental factors, such as maternal education and perinatal conditions, contribute significantly to developmental outcomes. This research emphasizes the need for integrated early intervention to prevent stunting and support children's optimal development. Although this study provides important insights, limitations in design, sample size, and unmeasured variables must be noted. These findings underscore the importance of policies that support child nutrition and health to improve long-term well-being

La Ode Alifariki, Nurce Arifiati, Mutia Puspa Rini et al.

SurvivalDevelopmentIDRead at source

Peer-reviewed articleOpenAlex29 Dec 2023

The Role of Family Care in Providing Nutrition for Children with Stunting: Literature Review

Child malnutrition remains a significant public health challenge in Indonesia, with anemia, protein-energy malnutrition (PEM), obesity, and stunting among the most frequent concerns. Stunting, a chronic form of undernutrition, particularly affects children in developing nations. This study, employing a literature review methodology guided by the PICO framework, identified six articles examining the influence of family care on stunting prevention. Similar to previous research, these studies strongly emphasize the critical role of families in successful stunting interventions. Notably, all articles highlight the family's multifaceted role, which encompasses tasks, responsibilities, relationships, and functions within the household unit. Addressing stunting necessitates a holistic approach, as its causes extend beyond purely health-related factors and are often intertwined with economic instability in developing countries.

Asriani Bahar

SurvivalIDRead at source

Peer-reviewed articleOpenAlex31 Jul 2025

Nutrition Education For Pregnant Women to Reduce Anemia and Accelerate the Reduction of Stunting in Toddlers

Anemia and stunting are significant public health issues that require immediate attention to prevent adverse impacts on maternal and child health, as well as the overall quality of human resources. One of the leading causes of maternal mortality is iron deficiency anemia, often compounded by inadequate antenatal care (ANC). In addition, poor maternal nutritional status negatively affects pregnancy outcomes, such as low birth weight, and hinders optimal growth and development in infants—factors that contribute to the risk of stunting. In both Indonesia and Vietnam, the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women remains high, ranging between 30–40%. Similarly, the prevalence of stunting in both countries is also elevated, estimated at 20–30%. Given this situation, early intervention through nutrition education for pregnant women is crucial to improve dietary patterns that meet balanced nutritional needs. Moreover, monitoring antenatal care practices is necessary to assess the level of compliance and ensure proper pregnancy management. This community engagement activity involves collaboration with health workers from the sub-health centers (Puskesmas Pembantu) in Medan, Indonesia, and Hanoi, Vietnam, as local partners. It is expected that by empowering pregnant women through nutrition education, maternal nutritional status can be improved, thereby contributing to the fulfillment of the First 1,000 Days of Life (HPK) nutrition framework and ultimately supporting efforts to prevent stunting.

Evawany Yunita Aritonang, T. Sabrina, Satia Negara Lubis et al.

SurvivalDevelopmentIDVNRead at source

Peer-reviewed articleOpenAlex7 Sept 2019

Child-Sensitive WASH Composite Score and the Nutritional Status in Cambodian Children

Progress in health has occurred in the past decades in Cambodia, in terms of health service access and interventions, but several indicators, including the prevalence of malnourished children, remain alarming. The causes of undernutrition are often linked to inadequate access to water, sanitation and hygiene services but limited evidence exists on the direct association between poor WASH practices and children's' nutritional statuses. This study investigates the relationship between water, sanitation and hygiene practices, defined as the child-sensitive composite score, and the nutritional status of children under five years old, measured as the weight-for-height z-score, mid-upper arm circumference or height-for-age z-score in six districts of Cambodia. The analysis used data from a longitudinal study, comprising extensive data collection on anthropometry, health, nutrition, WASH, and cognitive development. Chronological trends in wasting and stunting were described cross-sectionally, whereas the effect of WASH practices on the nutritional status of children over up to three consecutive study visits was examined with a linear mixed-effects model. The prevalence of wasting decreased during the study while stunting prevalence increased. A small, but significant, association was found between the WASH child-sensitive composite scores and the wasting child anthropometry indicators: weight-for-height z-score or mid-upper arm circumference. Evidence for an association with height-for-age z-score, detecting stunted children, was found when the independent variable was quantified according to global, but not national, guidelines. This study reinforces discordant existing evidence towards a direct association between WASH practices and children's nutritional status, suggesting the need to align nutrition and WASH programmes.

Giulia Manzoni, Arnaud Laillou, Samnang Chea et al.

SurvivalKHRead at source

Peer-reviewed articleOpenAlex22 May 2026

Effectiveness Of Government Nutrition Programs On Child Growth (Maternal And Child Health)

Child growth is a sensitive marker of maternal and child health because linear growth, weight gain, immunity, cognitive development and school readiness are shaped by nutrition, infection control, maternal care, household food security and timely public health services. India has implemented large-scale government nutrition and maternal health programmes such as Integrated Child Development Services, Poshan Abhiyaan, PM POSHAN, Janani Suraksha Yojana and supplementary nutrition services to reduce child undernutrition and improve access to growth monitoring, counselling and food support. Recent global estimates show that child undernutrition continues to remain a major public health concern, and India’s national surveys show improvement but persistent levels of stunting, wasting and underweight among under-five children. A descriptive analytical crosssectional study design was used among 120 mothers of children aged 6-59 months attending selected Anganwadi and community health service areas. A structured questionnaire, programme utilization schedule, maternal knowledge scale and anthropometric assessment form were used. Weight, height/length and mid-upper arm circumference were assessed and interpreted with reference to standard growth. Overall, 90.8% of mothers had heard of ICDS, 76.7% knew about indicators.3 supplementary nutrition, 65.0% knew about growth monitoring and 70.8% knew about maternal health support. High utilization of nutrition services was observed among 38.3% of families, moderate utilization among 31.7% and low utilization among 30.0%. Normal growth status was observed in 48.3% of children, while underweight, stunting, wasting or multiple growth deficits were observed among the remaining children.

Dr. Priyanka Tiwari Shikha Dahariya

SurvivalDevelopmentINRead at source

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