Prevalence and Factors Associated with Stunting among Children Aged 6-59 Months in Musanze District of Rwanda

Abstract: Background: Stunting in children is a chronic condition resulting from prolonged insufficient intake of essential nutrients. It remains a major public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where it is strongly associated with increased morbidity and mortality. In Rwanda, 33% of children aged 6–59 months are stunted, posing a substantial burden on national health and economic systems. Despite this, limited data exist on the factors contributing to stunting at the district level. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of stunting and its associated factors among children aged 6–59 months in Musanze District, Rwanda. Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 374 children aged 6–59 months in rural areas of Musanze District. Nutritional status was assessed using WHO Anthro software version 3.2.2. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 25.0. Bivariate analysis (crosstabs) was used to identify variables associated with stunting at a 5% significance level. Variables with significant associations were entered into a binary logistic regression model using the Enter method to control for potential confounders. Ethical approval was obtained from the Mount Kenya University Review Board and Musanze District authorities, and informed consent was secured from all participants’ guardians. Results: The prevalence of stunting was found to be 35.8%. Key factors significantly associated with stunting included the mother’s occupation (p=0.005), child’s birth weight (p=0.001), child morbidity (p=0.047), and household practices related to drinking water treatment (p=0.013). Conclusion: Stunting remains highly prevalent among children aged 6–59 months in Gacaca Sector of Musanze District. Targeted interventions addressing maternal employment, early child health, and household water safety practices are essential to reduce the burden of stunting in this area and contribute to broader national efforts in Rwanda. Abbreviations: BMI: Body Mass Index, HAZ: Height for Age, PEM: Protein Energy Malnutrition Keywords: (MeSH): Factors Associated, Prevalence, Stunting, 6-59 Months Children. Title: Prevalence and Factors Associated with Stunting among Children Aged 6-59 Months in Musanze District of Rwanda Author: Delphine Dusingizimana, Abenezel Niyomurengezi, Lucie Uwimana, Amanuel Kidane Andegiogish International Journal of Healthcare Sciences ISSN 2348-5728 (Online) Vol. 13, Issue 1, April 2025 - September 2025 Page No: 681-689 Research Publish Journals Website: www.researchpublish.com Published Date: 20-September-2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17164635 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.researchpublish.com/papers/prevalence-and-factors-associated-with-stunting-among-children-aged-6-59-months-in-musanze-district-of-rwanda