Factors associated with stunting among children aged 6-24 months old in Dak Glong district, Dak Nong province in 2020

Abstract

Objectives: Identify some factors related to stunting of children from 6-24 months in Dak Glong district.

Study Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study design. The study was conducted on 432 children aged 6-24 months and their mothers in communes of Dak Glong district in 2020 during the period from February 2020 to September 2020.

Results: Among 432 children participating in the study, 92 children suffered from stunting, accounting for 21.3%. In this study factors related to stunting of 6 to 24-month-old children in Dak Glong district were having p<0.05, including sex, medical history, ethnicity, breastfeeding status, knowledge of child care, poor child care practices, adequate food intake in the past 12 months. In particular, two factors on breastfeeding status (OR= 2.17, 95% CI 1.281- 3.67) and mothers’ nutritional care practices (OR= 5.688; 95% CI 3.12-19.4) were the main related factors to stunted in here. It is necessary to strengthen communication work to improve knowledge and practice of mothers on nutritional care for children. Encourage mothers to introduce exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months and continue until the baby is 24 months old or longer.