Determinants of Childhood Stunting in Egypt : Further Analysis of Demographic and Health Survey 2014

Abstract: While proper nutrition prevents diseases and promotes good health, poor nutrition in the first 1000 days of life can lead to stunted growth. The prevalence of childhood stunting in Egypt has increased after the millennium with the prevalence rate being above 20% in the last twenty years. To investigate any significant association between childhood stunting and different demographic, socioeconomic, biological and immediate determinants in a nationally representative sample of Egypt. Data from the 2014 Egypt Demographic and Health Survey was used. Pearson’s Chi square test was run to discover any association and the generalized logistic regression approach was used in the analyses to generate odds ratio of the association between childhood stunting and the studied determinants. Stunting was found to be significantly associated with different determinants. Children living in Rural and Urban Upper Egypt were more likely to be stunted than children living in other regions in Egypt. Children from the richest quintile were more likely to be stunted than children from lower quintiles. Children with no health insurance coverage were more likely to be stunted than children who have health insurance. Male children were more likely to be stunted than female ones. Children who had normal weight at birth were less likely to be stunted than children who had low weight at birth. Stunting was found to be significantly associated with demographical, socioeconomical and biological factors. Egypt needs a strategy with multi-sectorial approach in order to address stunting in children under the age of five.