Association between mother’s work status and child stunting in Kenya: Does socio-economic status matter?  

Abstract

Introduction Malnutrition is a major health problem affecting many parts of the world. Stunting is the most prevalent form of malnutrition. Recent statistics indicate that 18% of children in Kenya were stunted in 2022. This study sought to investigate the effect of maternal employment and occupation on child stunting in Kenya. We also investigate whether these effects vary by socioeconomic status. Methods This study used data from the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey. Data collection took place from 17th February 2022 to 31st July 2022. The study uses descriptive analysis and estimates a multivariate logistic regression. Results Results indicate that the odds of child stunting were 1.111 higher for children whose mothers worked compared to those whose mothers did not working. For poor mothers, the negative effect of maternal employment on child stunting is significant and stronger. For non-poor mothers, the effect of maternal employment on stunting is not statistically significant. For maternal occupation, we find that the odds of child stunting was 1.286 and 1.431 higher for children whose mothers were engaged in agricultural and in domestic work than those whose mothers were engaged in professional work. The effects are stronger for women living in poor households. Conclusion Implications of these findings are that the negative effects of maternal employment on child nutrition aren’t uniform but disproportionately affect children of mothers living in poor households. These findings suggest need for governments to invest in affordable but quality childcare facilities even as promote maternal employment so as to cushion children from malnutrition especially those living in poor households.