Prevalence And Risk Factors for Stunting Among Tribal Under-Five Children at South-West, Rajasthan, India

Abstract

Background: Stunting is one of key factor of chronic under- nutrition is a major health problem in South Asia. It consequences increased morbidity & mortality during childhood. Objectives: This study aims to explore the socio-economic deter- minants of stunting among under-five children of rural tribal In- dia. Methodology: It was cross sectional study and carried out in rural community in Jhalawar District in children’s aged 6-59 months of age during period of February 2014 to April 2014 in 570 study samples. Results: There were almost equal numbers of male and females participated and it was observed that stunting was positively asso- ciated with birth weight, birth order, ANC visit at health care fa- cilities & family monthly income while inversely associated with age of baby, birth interval, EBF, PNC visit at health care facilities, & family size. Logistic regression analysis showed association with gender, working status of mother, history of TB in family member, ANC care, illiteracy of parents, mass media, overcrowding, and type of water supply. Conclusion: Our analysis confirms the multifactorial nature of child stunting. It emphasizes the programmes should specifically target higher-risk groups such as young children, residents of ru- ral community, less educated fathers, poor family social life, low- quality household environment, various morbidity and low birth weight.

Keywords

• Stunting
• risk factors
• tribal community
• under five children
• north-west India