Forthcoming Issue Vol 19 No. 3 Stunting factors in Children 0-59 months in the Manzini Region of Eswatini: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.
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Abstract
Background: Stunting early in life can result in severe, irreversible physical and cognitive damage. Although stunting rates have declined in Eswatini, an upward trend was noted in the Manzini region in 2020.
Objectives: To investigate factors associated with stunting in the Manzini region, Eswatini.
Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used. Convenience sampling was done at two child welfare clinics, and data were collected from mother-child pairs using a questionnaire and a checklist for anthropometric measurements. The WHO Anthro Analyser computed the height Z-scores. Data was captured in an Excel spreadsheet and exported into Stata 17 and Epi Info Version 7.2.5 for analysis. A multivariable logistic regression model estimated factors associated with stunting, reporting adjusted odds ratio (AOR) significant at p<0.05.
Results: Of 338 mother-baby pairs, the median age of the mothers was 29 (IQR: 25, 34) and 18 months (IQR: 10,34) for the children. Approximately a fifth of the children (n=66; 19.6%: 95% CI:19.6, 24.4) were stunted. On multivariate analysis, predictors of stunting were children with a birth weight of less than 2500g [AOR: 4.00; 95% CI:0.137, 5.06; p = 0.005]. A child age of <12 months [AOR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.17, 0.67p = 0.01] and an age gap of less than two years with older sibling [OR=2.47, CI 1.29, 6.12 p=0.05. Those who drank treated water [AOR: 0.36; 95% CI: 0.16, 0.76; p = 0.010] also had significantly lower odds of stunting.
Conclusion: Although the prevalence of stunting has decreased, low birth weight, age <12 months, age gap of less than two years with older siblings, as well as drinking untreated water were associated with stunting in Manzini. These findings highlight the need to prioritise child nutrition supplementation, particularly for those at risk and improving access to clean water in the region.
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