Examining the Factors Influencing Child Stunting Among Rural Households in Zambia: The Case of Sinda District

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the factors affecting stunting in young children 6 to 60 months in rural households of Sinda district of Eastern Zambia. Data were collected from a hundred and thirty four (134) mothers and their youngest child using a household questionnaire. The study also implemented qualitative approaches to conduct 4 Focus group discussions and 8 in-depth interviews. The respondents were purposively identified and interviewed. Analytical techniques employed included; descriptive statistics to determine prevalence of stunting and describe household characteristics. A linear regression model was employed to examine the determinants of child stunting among households surveyed.

The study revealed that 50% of children were stunted but at different levels. Therefore, 23.9% of the children surveyed were severely stunted and 26.1% were moderately stunted. Among the variables determining children stunting, household income, maternal education, food insecurity status and mother's participation in nutrition training and child dietary diversity were found to significantly affect child stunting.

Keywords: Stunting, dietary diversity, Sinda, Zambia