Determinants of stunted growth among under-five children in Uganda

Abstract

Stunting is one of the major challenges among under-five children in Sub Saharan Africa. A study was carried out to understand the determinants of stunted growth among children below the age of five years in Uganda. The specific objectives for the study included; 1. To examine the child factors that influence stunting of children under-five in Uganda. 2. To examine the maternal factors that influence stunting of children under-five in Uganda. 3. To examine the economic factors that influence stunting of children under-five in Uganda. In order to carry out the study, secondary data was used. UDHS 2011 dataset was used, obtained from DHS Program website with permission from the personnel in charge of the data. Data analysis was done in Stata statistical software. Univariate analysis was carried out in order to fully understand the disruption of the data under study which was followed up by Bivariate analysis to establish the association between stunting and factors determining stunting among under-five children in Uganda. Multivariate analysis was done by fitting a binary logistic regression model to establish the underlying determinants of stunted growth among under-five children. It was found out that child’s age, type of place of residence, region, mother’s highest level of education and wealth quintile had a significant association with stunting among under-five children in Uganda. Stunting was more prevalent among children in rural areas than urban areas and more prevalent among children of mothers with low levels of education. There was however no significant relationship between child stunting and sex of child. In conclusion, it is worthy to note that the study is essential in pointing out the particular age-groups among under-five children as well as the occupations that contribute to stunting in

Uganda. In accordance to the findings, the study recommends putting in place policy measures and actions that aim at improving the number of women who attain education in the country and that these women be extensively sensitized on stunting and its impact on children below the age of five years.