Determinants of normal linear growth among children (0-59 Months) living in better-off households (urban households) in Uganda.

Abstract

This study examined the determinants of normal linear growth among children (0-59months) living in better-off households (urban households) in Uganda. The main outcome variable was child height-for-age z-scores (HAZ), classified into healthy growth (no stunted) (HAZ ≥ -2SD), moderate stunting (-3 ≤ HAZ < -2), and severe stunting (HAZ < -3). The study used ordered logistic regression model in the analysis. Employment status (children of mothers who were working) was associated with normal linear growth among children in Uganda. A unit increase in children of mothers who were working was associated with an increase in normal linear growth in Uganda (coef=-2.77, 95% CI=-4.75, -0.79). In conclusion, only employment status (children of mothers who were working) is a determinant of normal linear growth among children, while maternal parity, child sex, child age, maternal education level, number of antenatal care visits, breastfeeding, marital status are not determinants. Interventions to promote child growth should take into account these differential effects.

Key words: Normal linear growth, stunting, better-off households