Prevalence of stunting and its determinants among children under five in 35 Sub-Saharan African countries (2011–2024): Insights from recent demographic health survey data using a generalized linear mixed-effects model with robust poisson regression

Study revealed significant country-level variations and rates exceeding 30% in 15 countries, signaling a major public health concern. The key individual, household and contextual factors associated with stunting in this study suggest the need for immediate actions expanding antenatal and postnatal care, promoting facility-based deliveries, enhancing maternal education, and media outreach. Long term strategies must tackle poverty, food systems, and equitable nutrition access, supported by governance and stability. A multisectoral approach integrating health, education, agriculture, WASH, and social protection ensures substantiable child growth, complemented by longitudinal research for policy coherence.