A Multilevel Analysis of Factors Associated with Stunting Among Children Under Five Years in Lesotho: A Study of The Lesotho Multiple Cluster Indicator Study Of 2018

Abstract

Background The growth pattern of a healthy, well-fed child is reflected in positive changes in their height and weight [1]. Globally, complex, and intertwined determinants of stunting have been explored at individual, household, and community level but not in Lesotho. The objective of the study is to investigate the determinants of stunting at individual, household, and community level. Methods We conducted a multilevel logistic regression using data from the Lesotho Multiple Cluster Indicator Study of 2018. Results In Lesotho a third (33.6%) of children under 5 were stunted in 2018. At individual level, child dietary intake, weight at birth and respiratory infection were determinants of stunting. At the household level, place of residence, household wealth, maternal residential status, maternal educational attainment, drinking water sources, and toilet facilities were also determinants of stunting. Moreover, at community levels, community female and male education, community poverty, sources of drinking water, toilet facilities and maternal media exposure were determinants of stunting in Lesotho in 2018. Conclusion There is evidence of variability in the data in relation to stunting at all levels of the study. It also shows that, child dietary intake and health, household care resources, and environments children reside in are important in improving child nutritional status. At the community level, knowledge and information acquisition and sharing are important in fighting child malnutrition. Therefore, strategies and programs to improve child nutritional status should be done in communities.