z-logo
open-access-imgOpen Access
Prevalence of stunting and its associated factors among children 6–59 months of age in pastoralist community, Northeast Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study
Author(s) -
Mulugeta Gebreayohanes,
Awrajaw Dessie
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
plos one
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 332
ISSN - 1932-6203
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pone.0256722
Subject(s) - breastfeeding , medicine , odds ratio , cross sectional study , logistic regression , demography , public health , odds , pastoralism , environmental health , pediatrics , geography , livestock , nursing , pathology , sociology , forestry
Globally, stunting is a significant public health concern and it is very critical in Ethiopia. This research aims to determine the prevalence of stunting and its correlates among children in the pastoral community. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Dubti District, Afar Region, North East Ethiopia from 2–31 January 2018. A total of 554 children were recruited using a multi-stage sampling technique and participated in this study. A binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors linked to stunting. The significance of the associations was determined at a p-value < 0.05 and the adjusted odds ratio at 95% CI was calculated to evaluate the strength of the associations. Results The prevalence of stunting was 39.5% (95% CI: 35.4–43.5%). The odds of stunting were increased, so does the age of the child increased as compared to 6–11 months of children. Initiating breastfeeding after 1 hour after birth (AOR = 1.99; 95% CI: 1.22, 3.23), not exclusively breastfeeding for at least 6 months (AOR = 2.57; 95% CI: 1.49, 4.42), poor dietary diversity (AOR = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.03, 3.62), and using unprotected water for drinking (AOR = 1.68; 95% CI: 1.21, 2.94) were significant factors. Conclusion Among children aged 6–59 months, the level of stunting in the pastoral community was significantly high. The study found that stunting was associated with multiple nutritional and non-nutritional factors. To tackle stunting, inter-sectoral cooperation is needed by enhancing the clean water supply of the community, optimal breastfeeding practice, food diversity, and economic status.

The content you want is available to Zendy users.

Already have an account? Click here to sign in.
Having issues? You can contact us here