Levels of stunting associated factors among under-five children in Ethiopia: A multi-level ordinal logistic regression analysis

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296451
• Publication Date: 2024-01-02T19:12:14Z
• Authors: Yordanos Sisay As...; Beminate Lemma Seifu; Kusse Urmale Mare; Zufan Alamire Asmare; Hiwot Altaye Asebe; Bizunesh Fantahun...; Abdu Hailu Shibeshi; Tsion Mulat Tebeje; Kebede Gemeda Sabo; Bezawit Melaku Fente; Gizachew Ambaw Ka...; Afework Alemu Lom...
• Keywords: Ordered logit; Odds

Introduction Stunting is a major public health problem affecting more than one-third of under five year’s old children in Ethiopia. It has short and long (irreversible) consequences, including stunted growth, never reaching physical cognitive potential, struggles school, increased morbidity mortality due to infections. Though stunting the leading cause child Ethiopia, evidence scarce on prevalence predictors among under-five years Therefore, this study aimed estimate severity under-5 Materials methods This was based 2019 Mini-Ethiopian Demographic Health Survey (EDHS) data. A weighted total sample 4972 included study. Height measurement collected for each child. Anthropometric indicator, height-for-age determined using World Organization growth standards (Z-scores Height-for-Age (HAZ)) asses level. Given ordinal nature hierarchical EDHS data, multilevel logistic regression model applied. Brant test used check proportional odds assumption, which satisfied (P-value ≥0.05). Moreover, deviance comparison. For multivariable analysis, variables with p-value ≤0.2 bivariable analysis were considered. The Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 95% Confidence Interval (CI) reported as associated factor levels model. Results overall Ethiopia 35.7% [95% CI: 34.4%, 37.1%]. Of these, 12.1% severely stunted, 24.9% moderately stunted. Being male [AOR = 0.83, 0.74, 0.93], aged 6–23 months 2.38, 1.84, 3.07], ≥ 24 4.15, 3.26, 5.28], whose maternal age 15–24 0.73, 0.58, 0.92], from poorest, poorer, middle, richer household wealth 1.32, 2.57], 1.66, 1.20, 2.31], 1.78, 1.29, 2.44], 1.62, 2.17], educational status no formal education primary had 1.90, 1.28, 2.82], 1.22, 2.60], Tigray 2.95, 4.86], Afar 1.85, 1.11, 3.10], Amhara 1.14, 3.14] Harari 1.97, 3.25]regions, low community 0.76, 0.62, 0.92] significantly levelling. Conclusion remains issue. Improving access related appropriate feeding practices health, particularly younger uneducated mothers. Strengthening family’s also recommended reduce stunting. In addition, it better support strategies preconception care mothers during pregnancy term.