# Predictors of stunting among children aged 6-59 months in Kitui County, Kenya

## TL;DR

This study identifies factors that contribute to stunting in young children in Kitui County, Kenya, including low birth weight and poor sanitation.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into local predictors of stunting in children in Kitui County, Kenya.

## Key findings

- The stunting rate among children aged 6-59 months was 26.6%.
- Low birth weight and lack of access to a latrine were significant predictors of stunting.
- Mothers with secondary education had a higher risk of having stunted children.

## Abstract

Stunting in children below the age of five is a significant public health problem in Kenya. Stunting has transitory and lifelong effects on people and communities, including high risk of morbidity and death, lowered mental and physical growth, and decreased productivity.

To investigate the predictors of stunting in children aged 6 to 59 months in Kitui County, Kenya.

This was a cross-sectional analytical survey that used multistage cluster sampling. Data were gathered through questionnaires, interviews with key informants and discussions with focus groups. Anthropometric measurements were taken to assess the rate of stunting.

The stunting rate was 26.6%. The independent predictors of stunting included birth weight < 2500 grams (AOR = 2.302; 95% CI: 1.027-6.150; p: 0.043), having secondary education (AOR = 5.404; 95% CI: 1.607-18.173; p: 0.006), mother's MUAC < 23 cm (AOR = 2.845; 95% CI: 1.125-7.192; p:0.012), and having no access to a latrine/toilet (AOR = 0.008; 95% CI: 0.009-0.561; p: 0.013).

Stunting was high and was influenced by sociodemographic factors, and the household environment.