Predictors of Stunting among School-Age Children in Northwestern Ethiopia.

Background: Stunting is a major public health problem in most developing countries, and it increases the risk of illness and death throughout childhood. It is also a major public health problem in Ethiopia. Most of the few studies done in Ethiopia were done in schools. However, the prevalence of stunting of school-age children at the community level is largely unknown.

Objective: To assess prevalence and predictors of stunting among school-age children in Mecha District, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from August 28, 2017, to October 10, 2017. Target population for the study was school-age children (children of age 5-15). A total of 802 children were included in the study. The multistage sampling procedure was applied. Data were collected through face-to-face interview using the structured questionnaire. Anthropometric measurement was performed and analyzed using ENA SMART software. Association was assessed using logistic regression (backward LR). Statistical significance was measured using adjusted odds ratio at 95% CI and P value less than 0.05.

Results: About 37.9%, with 95% CI (34.6, 41.3), of children were stunted. The predictors of stunting were child age with AOR (95% CI) 1.4 (1.02, 1.91), family size with AOR (95% CI) 1.83 (1.21, 2.75), mother's education with AOR (95% CI) 1.81 (1.01, 3.24), father's occupation with AOR (95% CI) 5.23 (1.55, 17.64), and child's immunization status with AOR (95% CI) 5.6 (2.90, 10.82).

Conclusion: Stunting is still an important problem among children in the age of 5-15 years. Therefore, special attention should be given to child's full immunization, limiting of family size, continued promotion of female education, and appropriate feeding practice of children depending on their age.