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Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
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Risk factors and trends in childhood stunting in a district in Western Uganda

Dax Biondi1, Walter Kipp, Gian S Jhangri

  • 1Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Medical Sciences Building, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.

Journal of Tropical Pediatrics
|June 18, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Childhood stunting is high in Kabarole District, Uganda, with rates increasing significantly from 1989 to 2006. Factors like poverty and poor water quality contribute to this growing public health concern.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Pediatrics
  • Nutrition Science

Background:

  • Childhood stunting remains a significant global health issue, particularly in low-income countries.
  • Understanding regional trends and contributing factors is crucial for effective intervention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the nutritional status of children aged 6-59 months in Kabarole District, Uganda.
  • To establish the trend in childhood stunting rates within the district and compare it to national data.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study utilizing multi-stage random cluster sampling of 322 children and their caregivers.
  • Collection of anthropometric measurements for nutritional status assessment and caregiver interviews for contextual data.

Main Results:

  • High prevalence of childhood stunting (43.0%) observed, exceeding national averages.
  • Identified predictive factors for stunting: low household economic status, caregiver ill-health, distant health facilities, and contaminated water sources.
  • Demonstrated an increasing trend in stunting rates from 28.0% in 1989 to 43.0% in 2006.

Conclusions:

  • Urgent need for further investigation into the persistently high and increasing stunting rates in Kabarole District.
  • Recommendations for enhanced nutritional interventions within the district's public health programs are essential.
Abstract

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