Determinants of stunting in children aged between 6-23 months in Musanze region, Rwanda
Nadine Umwali1, Catherine Nkirote Kunyanga1, Dasel Wambua Mulwa Kaindi1
1Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Technology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.
Insights
In Rwanda, poor infant feeding practices like inadequate minimum acceptable diet (MAD) are linked to stunting in children under two. Improving complementary feeding is crucial for reducing child malnutrition.
Area of Science:
- Public Health and Nutrition
- Child Development
- Global Health
Background:
- Under-nutrition contributes to nearly half of global child deaths, worsened by multiple malnutrition burdens.
- Infant and young child feeding practices significantly impact nutrition status and survival in children under two.
- Stunting remains a critical public health issue globally, necessitating research into its multifaceted causes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the role of infant and young child feeding practices in stunting among Rwandan children.
- To identify key risk factors associated with stunting in children aged 6-23 months.
- To evaluate the impact of dietary diversity and meal frequency on child growth.
Main Methods:
- An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in Musanze, Rwanda, involving 241 mothers and their children (6-23 months).
- Data collection utilized validated semi-structured questionnaires, observations, and checklist guides.
- Statistical analyses included Chi-square tests and logistic regressions to identify associations and risk factors.
Main Results:
- Stunting prevalence was 28%; Minimum Acceptable Diet (MAD) was achieved by 53% of children.
- MAD showed a significant association (p=0.021) with height-for-age Z-scores, predicting stunting.
- Other identified risk factors for stunting included child's sex, low consumption of animal-sourced foods, underweight status, and income type.
Conclusions:
- Improving infant and young child feeding practices, particularly complementary feeding and achieving a Minimum Acceptable Diet, is vital for alleviating stunting in Rwanda.
- A holistic approach addressing dietary diversity, meal frequency, and consumption of nutrient-rich foods is recommended.
- Policy decisions and interventions must consider a broader range of factors influencing child nutrition, including socioeconomic status and access to animal-sourced foods.
Abstract:
Under-nutrition causes approximately half of all deaths in young children every year globally which is exacerbated by the multiple malnutrition burden. Infant and young child feeding practices pose immediate effects on the nutrition status of under 2 years aged children and greatly influence the survival of a child. This study aimed at determining the implication of the infant and young child feeding practices in evaluating stunting in young children among other stunting risk factors. Analytical cross-section study was carried out in Musanze, a district of Rwanda and involved 241 mothers having children aged between 6 and 23 months. Data was collected using a validated semi-structured questionnaire with observations and check list guides. Chi-square test and logistic regressions were used to determine the associations and risk factors of various variables. The results show that minimum meal frequency (MMF) was attained at 83% rate, minimum dietary diversity (MDD) at 57%, minimum acceptable diet (MAD) at 53% with consumption of iron rich foods at 29%. Stunting prevalence was 28%. The MAD had a significant (p = 0.021) association with height-for-age Z-score of a child and was found to be the stunting's predictor. The child's sex, consumption of animal sourced foods, child underweight status and income type were revealed as other stunting risk factors. A holistic approach that promotes infant and young child feeding practices and complementary feeding in particular can contribute to the alleviation of the stunting burden in Rwanda. Further, other associated factors that influence child nutrition status should be taken into consideration by the policy decision makers and development partners when developing food and nutrition sensitive programs and interventions.
Related Concept Videos
01:10Nature and Nurture
01:52Regression Toward the Mean