Factors Associated with Stunting among Infants and Young Children in the Fourth District of Camarines Sur, Philippines

Authors

  • Jeena Sandra R. Manrique-de Hitta, RND, MSPH Department of Nutrition, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines; College of Public Safety and Community Health, Partido State University, Lagonoy, Camarines Sur, Philippines
  • Kim Leonard G. Dela Luna, RND, MSPH, PhD Department of Nutrition, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
  • Anna Paulina S. Rodriguez, MSPH Department of Nutrition, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
  • Mildred O. Guirindola, PhD Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Taguig City, Philippines

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.vi0.10849

Keywords:

growth disorders, risk factors, nutritional status, infant nutrition disorders

Abstract

Objective. This study aimed to investigate the determinants linked to stunting among infants and young children aged 0-23 months in the Fourth District of Camarines Sur.

Methods. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 628 primary caregivers with infants and young children aged 0-23 months in four municipalities of the Fourth District of Camarines Sur, Philippines, using a twostage stratified random sampling design. Data on sociodemographic and economic factors were collected through face-to-face interviews. Infant and young child feeding (IYCF) indicators were assessed using a list-based approach, while weight and length were evaluated using the World Health Organization Anthro Plus software. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression were done using R statistical software version 4.3.1.

Results. The study revealed that the prevalence of stunting was of significant public health concern, reaching 42.8%. Holding other variables constant, age of the child (OR=0.77; 95% CI: 0.63-0.94), having college undergraduate mothers (OR=0.26; 95% CI: 0.05-1.28), and belonging to a poor income household (OR=0.40; 95% CI: 0.14-0.88) were associated with stunting among infants aged 0.01-6.00 months. Moreover, after controlling for the confounding effects of other variables, age (OR=1.09; 95% CI: 1.05-1.14) and sex of the child (OR=1.55; 95% CI: 1.05-2.28) were associated with stunting among older children aged 6.00-23.99 months.

Conclusion. This study emphasizes the challenge of stunting in the Fourth District of Camarines Sur. None of the IYCF indicators were associated with stunting; however, maternal education, the child’s age, sex, and socioeconomic status were identified as significant factors influencing stunting. Addressing these determinants through targeted interventions focusing on improving maternal education and enhancing socio-economic conditions were crucial to reducing stunting in the study areas.

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Published

2024-10-08

Issue

Early Access 2024

Section

Articles

How to Cite

1.
Factors Associated with Stunting among Infants and Young Children in the Fourth District of Camarines Sur, Philippines. Acta Med Philipp [Internet]. 2024 Oct. 8 [cited 2025 Apr. 10];. Available from: https://actamedicaphilippina.upm.edu.ph/index.php/acta/article/view/10849

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