Relationship of Maternal Characteristics and Stunting Among Children

Abstract Background: Stunting is the common form of child undernutrition. The objective of the present study is to know the relationship of maternal characteristics and stunting in children below five years. Materials and Methods: A descriptive study was conducted among 233 children who were 6-59 months of age. Data was collected by structured interview schedule and length/height was measured and analysed length/ height for age to identify status of stunting and maternal characteristics was analysed to identify the relationship with stunting status Results: The study result shows that among 233 participants, 29(12.4%) were found to be stunted. Children being stunted or normal in height was associated with maternal height, frequency of meals per day in the family, inadequate iron supplementation during pregnancy, adequacy of antenatal check up during pregnancy. Maternal height below 145cm (OR: 0.009; p=<0.001), frequency of meal (OR: 0.005; p=0.001), inadequate iron supplementation (OR: <0.001;p=<0.001) increase the likelihood of a child being stunted. Conclusion: There was correlation between maternal characteristics and stunting of children. There is needed to improve the nutritional status by improving adherence of iron supplementation during pregnancy and improving antenatal visit.