Prevalence and Risk Factors of Stunting among Under-5 Years Children Attending Primary Healthcare Units in Gharbia Governorate

Background: Growth is a typical characteristic of childhood; it is regarded as the best global indicator of children’s well-being as growth impairment has both short- and long-term consequence. This cross sectional study aimed to measure prevalence of stunting among under 5 years children and to determine risk factors of stunting among under 5 years children. Methods: This cross sectional study conducted on 317 children under 5 years children in Gharbia governorate. Results: Our study, found that 33.7% were categorized as stunted. Mother's age was higher in the Stunted group (31.32 years) compared to the Non Stunted group (26.91 years). A higher proportion of children in urban areas were stunted. There were significant differences in socioeconomic status, with a higher percentage of the Stunted group in lower categories and a lower mean socioeconomic score. Conclusion: Several significant findings emerged from the study, including a higher mean age of mothers in the stunted group compared to the non-stunted group, a higher proportion of stunted children in urban areas. Other significant associations were observed with birth order, birth interval, tonsillitis, delayed growth, anemia, cardiac diseases, family history of stunting, maternal education, per-capita income, socioeconomic status and weight measurement. However, child age, child sex, antenatal clinic visits, sewage disposal and refuse disposal did not show significant differences between the stunted and non-stunted groups.