Examining the determinants of stunting among children under five years in Southern Africa: Evidence from Demographic and Health Survey

Name of the Presenting Author: 
Shirley Mathabatha
Abstract Content (not more than 300 word, should include: Introduction, Objective, Methodology, critical findings & Conclusion): 
Despite various interventions, stunting remains a public health challenge in developing countries like Lesotho, Malawi, South Africa and Zambia. This study examines social and demographic factors associated with stunting determinants among children under five years. The study used four Demographic and Health Surveys conducted in Lesotho (2014), Malawi (2015-16), South Africa (2016 and Zambia (2018). The study population consisted of children under the age of five years: 1869 in Lesotho, 5707 in Malawi, 1404 in South Africa and 9609 in Zambia. Chi-square test and logistic regression were used to establish social and demographic factors associated with stunting. Results: The results showed that the prevalence of stunting ranged from 27.4% in South Africa, 33.2% in Lesotho, 34.6% in Zambia and 37.1% in Malawi. The findings of the study revealed that factors such as child’s age, birth weight, age, gender of household and household poverty were significantly associated with stunting in the selected countries. For instance, in Zambia, stunting is significantly associated with Children aged less than 6 [OR=0.58, 95% CI 0.42 – 0.79], Children 18-23 months [OR=2.27, 95% CI: 1.69-3.05], male children [OR=1.45, 95% CI: 1.31 -1.6], low birth weight [OR=2.5, 95% 2.04 -3.07], women aged 35-39 years were [OR=0.68, 95% CI: 0.47 – 0.98], women with higher educational level [OR=0.45, 95% CI:0.3-0.72], children from richest household income [OR=0.5, 95% CI:0.37-0.67], rural areas [OR=0.75, 0.63-0.9]. Conclusion: These findings emphasize that child, mother and community characteristics are crucial in stunting prevention. As such, multi-sectoral interventions should focus on nutrition programs and women empowerment. Special attention should be given to such vulnerable groups as children, poor and rural households. Further longitudinal studies are recommended to better understand stunting dynamics over time.

Abstract theme:

In case of not been selected for oral presentation, do you want to be considered for the poster presentation ?: 
Yes
Do you require financial support to attend the seminar ? (Not applicable for virtual meet): 
Yes-full
Email of the Presenting Author: 
25514415@mynwu.ac.za
Gender: 
Female
Mobile number of the Presenting Author: 
0663925780
Address & Pincode of the Presenting Author: 
839 Greensleeves R563 Hekpoort road Krugersdorp South Africa 1740
Evaluation Status: 
No
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