Prevalence and Associated Factors of Stunting Among Schoolchildren, in Debre Markos Town and Gozamen Woreda, East Gojjam Zone, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia, 2013

Abstract

Background: Stunting is a major public-health problem in low and middle-income countries, and it increases risk of morbidity and mortality during childhood. In Ethiopia, it is a major public health problem.Objective: To assess prevalence and associated factors for stunting among school children at Debre Markos town and Gozamen woreda, East Gojjam Zone, Amhara regional state, Ethiopia. Methods and materials:Cross-sectional quantitative study design was employed. The study area and study sites were selected by random sampling method and the study subjects were taken by systematic random sampling technique. The study was conducted at eight selected schools. The study was carried out from March 2013 up to June 2013.Statically analysis: Data were entered into Epi-info (version 3.5.1) satirical software then exported in to SPSS version 16.0 statistical programs and anthroplus software was used to determine HAZ score of individual values. Result:The overall prevalence of stunting was 48.1%, out of which, 5% were severely stunted, 14.3% moderately stunted and 28.8% mildly stunted, and the mean was 1.72 with standard division of 0 .887. 3.1% boys and 1.9% girls were severely stunted. As the age increased stunting was significant. Rural school children were highly stunted as compared to urban children. Conclusion:This study showed that stunted rate was alarming magnitude. Total prevalence of stunting in this study was 48.1%; 5% were severely stunted (<-3SD), 14.3% moderately stunted (<-2SD) and 28.8% mildly stunted (<-1SD). As this study showed all age groups of schoolchildren were affected. However, age groups 13-15 years were significantly associated. Living in rural area was independently associated with increasing rate of stunting. Sex difference was no significant.

The Dual Burden of Malnutrition and Associated Dietary and Lifestyle Habits among Lebanese School Age Children Living in Orphanages in North Lebanon

“…In addition, this finding necessitates initiation of efforts to encourage healthier dietary patterns among children in orphanages, to overcome deficits in energy and micronutrient intake. No gender related differences in the risk of stunting were observed in the present study, which concurs with previously reported data among Ethiopian and Palestinian school age children [45, 46] but is in contrast with findings from Nigeria or India [47, 58]. …”

“…However, comparing the current findings with surveys conducted among noninstitutionalized school age children, similar prevalence of stunting was reported from Ethiopia (14.3%) and Palestine (14.4%) [45, 46], while a slightly higher prevalence was seen in Nigeria (17.4%) and Iraq (18.7%) [47, 48]. Furthermore, a large study conducted among rural schoolchildren in low-income countries (Ghana, Tanzania, Indonesia, Vietnam, and India) found the overall prevalence of stunting and underweight to be high in all 5 countries, ranging from 48 to 56% [49].…”

Prevalence and correlates of the composite index of anthropometric failure among children under 5 years old in Bangladesh

“…The burden of underweight was almost similar across all the age groups. Similarly, studies from Ethiopia (Zelellw, Gebreigziabher, Alene, Negatie, & Kasahune, 2013) and Burkina Faso (Erismann et al, 2017) have shown that the proportion of undernutrition is increased as the age of the children increased. From 12 to 59 months, children have much physical and mental growth, and this time, a healthy balanced diet can support the development of the child's brain, and it can provide necessary nutrients as required.…”

Stunting and its Determinant Factors among Early Adolescent School Girls of Gondar town, northwest Ethiopia: A school based cross -sectional study

“…The sample size was calculated using a single population proportion formula by considering the following assumptions: stunting among adolescent girls in Amhara region (P= 0.315) (17) , 5% margin of error, 95% confidence level, non-response rate of 10 %, and a design effect of 2. Accordingly, the final sample size estimated was 731.…”

“…Different factors have been reported to contribute to the high stunting prevalence in early adolescent girls. Adolescents born in large family size, use unimproved sources of drinking water (17), who born from uneducated mothers, and food insecure households (18) are more likely to be stunted. Being exposed to the contaminated environment and poor hygiene (19), meal skipping in the last two weeks, and having a poor dietary diversity score are also associated with an increased risk of stunting (20).…”