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Updated: Jan 18, 2026

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Population-Level Impact of Risk Factors on Stunting Among Children Under Five in Sub-Saharan Africa (2015-2022)

Handan Wand1, Jayajothi Moodley2, Sarita Naidoo3

  • 1University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia.

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|June 6, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Socio-economic factors like poor housing and limited education significantly drive child stunting in sub-Saharan Africa. Addressing these disparities is crucial for meeting global nutrition goals.

Area of Science:

  • Global Health
  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Socio-economic Determinants of Health

Background:

  • Child stunting remains a critical public health issue in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).
  • Understanding the multifaceted correlates of stunting is essential for effective intervention strategies.
  • Previous research has highlighted various risk factors, but population-level impacts require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify key correlates of stunting in children under five years old in SSA.
  • To investigate the population-level impacts of identified risk factors on stunting prevalence.
  • To inform targeted interventions for reducing stunting rates across the region.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of data from 179,972 children under five across 24 SSA countries (2015-2022).
  • Utilized multivariable logistic regression models to assess correlates of stunting.
  • Estimated population-level impacts of risk factors to quantify their contribution to stunting prevalence.

Main Results:

  • Stunting prevalence varied widely (18%-54%), exceeding 50% in Burundi.
  • Lack of basic household amenities was a major correlate, explaining 24%-57% of stunting cases.
  • Limited mass media access, maternal lack of education, and absence of health insurance were significant risk factors (aORs 1.44-2.24).

Conclusions:

  • Socio-economic disparities are primary drivers of child stunting in SSA.
  • Interventions targeting inequalities, maternal education, and essential services are vital.
  • Addressing these factors is critical for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger).
Abstract

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