Introductionin Rwanda, despite different interventions to improve child nutrition status, malnutrition in children under five years of age continue to be a public health concern. This study aimed to evaluate the factors that contribute to childhood stunting by assessing feeding practices of Rwandans in children ≤ 2 years of age.MethodsA cross-sectional study with data obtained from the 2010 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey was conducted on 1,634 children ≤ 2 years of age with complete anthropometrical measurements. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between feeding practices and childhood stunting.ResultsThe results revealed that 35.1% of 1,634 children were stunted. Breastfeeding for 1 year (OR = 2.77, 95% CI = 1.91-4.01, P < 0.001) increased the risk of childhood stunting. After controlling for confounders, solid food initiation (OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 0.47-3.16, P≥ 0.690) and early initiation to breastfeeding (OR = 1.16, CI = 0.90-1.51, P = 0.243) were not associated with childhood stunting.ConclusionThere was a significant association between continued breastfeeding for 1 year and childhood stunting. We suggest supplementary feeding for children who are breastfed for ≥1 year.

Hunger and malnutrition are key global challenges whose understanding is instrumental to their elimination, thus realization of important sustainable development goals (SDGs). However, understanding linkages between farm production diversity (FPD) and household micronutrient intake is important in mapping micronutrient deficiencies and hidden hunger. Such understanding would inform appropriate interventions against malnutrition. Unfortunately, empirical literature is scarce to sufficiently inform such understanding. Using nationally representative panel survey data covering about 3300 households, we study linkages between FPD and nutrition, and associated impact pathways. We analyze data using panel regression models. Results show that at least half of sample was deficient in daily energy, iron, zinc, and vitamin A intake vis-à-vis FAO recommendations. Deficiencies were most severe (85%) with vitamin A. Positive and significant associations (about 1% for each added crop/livestock species) exist between FPD and daily household energy, iron, zinc, and vitamin A intake. FPD impacts energy and micronutrient intake via two main consumption pathways; markets (about 0.01% for each shilling), and own farm production (about 0.1% for each shilling). Therefore, own farm production yields better outcomes. Gender effects also exist. Male-headed households exhibited better nutrition outcomes (energy—11%, iron—8%, and zinc—12%) mostly via markets. Effects on Vitamin A were also positive although insignificant.

Objectives: Obesity has been a growing concern worldwide and in sub-Saharan Africa in particular. The objective of this study was to explore the prevalence of and secular trends in the rate of being overweight/obese in Rwandan women and the associated socio-demographic risk factors. Design: The study involved a secondary analysis of data from the Rwanda Demographic and Health Surveys (RDHSs) conducted in 2000, 2005 and 2010. These are countrywide, cross-sectional household studies conducted every five years. A stratified cluster sampling technique was used. Setting: A total of 10,421 women in 2000, 11,539 in 2005 and 12,540 in 2010 participated in the population based household surveys in Rwanda. Primary outcome measure: Participants whose body mass indexes were ≥25 kg/m2 were considered to be overweight/obese. Results: The prevalence of woman being overweight/obese increased from 13% in 2000 to 16.5% in 2010. The highest prevalence rates in 2010 were found in Kigali city (35%) and other urban areas (31.5%). Women with higher levels of education and from wealthier households were more likely to be overweight/obese. Using multivariable logistic regression analysis in the full model, the area of residence, wealth, religion and the number of household members were found to be significantly associated with being overweight/obese. In the adjusted model only the first three of these were still associated with a significantly increased risk. Conclusion: Being overweight/obese is becoming more common in Rwandan women, especially in those living in urban areas who are wealthy. Being overweight/obese is also associated with being Protestant. The reasons for this association are likely to be complex and require further study. Health awareness campaigns should recognise the importance of over-nutrition, as well as under-nutrition, and should promote healthy diets and the importance of physical activity. being overweight or obese amongst Rwandan women of childbearing age and to identify the socio-demographic factors impacting on it. Methods Data source The study involved a secondary analysis of the data from the Rwanda Demographic and Health Surveys (RDHSs) 2000, 2005 and 2010. The RDHSs were started in 1992 and are population based, cross-sectional household surveys. They are conducted every five years on nationally representative samples from the households surveyed comprising women aged 15-49 years, men aged 15-59 years and children. The data collected includes information on the health of women and children, including the nutritional status. The present study used the data collected in the surveys conducted between 2000 and 2010 on the heights and weights of women aged 15-49 years. Only the data from the 2010 survey was used to examine risk factors for being overweight/obese. Study population and sample size The RDHSs use a multi-stage, stratified sampling method. Firstly, villages (also known as clusters or enumeration areas) are selected, with the probability proportional to the village size. Subsequently, a complete ma...