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Determinants of stunting in children under five in Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil

Risia Cristina Egito de Menezes1, Pedro Israel Cabral de Lira, Vanessa Sá Leal

  • 1Faculdade de Nutrição, Universidade Federal de Alagoas, Maceió, AL, Brasil. risiamenezes@yahoo.com.br

Revista De Saude Publica
|November 30, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Child stunting prevalence decreased significantly in Pernambuco, Brazil, by 65% between 1991 and 2006. Factors like income and maternal education improved, but socioeconomic disparities persist in child malnutrition outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Nutrition Science

Background:

  • Child stunting (height-for-age <-2 z-score) remains a significant public health concern globally.
  • Understanding the evolving prevalence and associated factors of stunting is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of stunting in children under five in Pernambuco, Brazil.
  • To identify socioeconomic, maternal, child, and healthcare factors associated with stunting over time.

Main Methods:

  • A population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in Pernambuco in 1991, 1997, and 2006.
  • Multiple logistic regression with a hierarchical model analyzed variables impacting stunting.
  • Key variables included socioeconomic status, maternal characteristics, and healthcare access.

Main Results:

  • Stunting prevalence decreased by 65% from 1991 to 2006.
  • Associated factors included per capita family income, maternal education, household size, consumer goods access, maternal height, and birth weight.
  • Improvements in determinants were observed but not consistently across all indicators.

Conclusions:

  • Despite a significant reduction in child malnutrition, disparities in stunting persist in Pernambuco.
  • Children from better socioeconomic backgrounds exhibit more favorable stunting outcomes.
  • Continued efforts are needed to address socioeconomic determinants and reduce persistent inequalities in child stunting.
Abstract

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