PLOS Global Public Health · 1 author, 2 centres
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This cross-sectional study used national survey data from Angola to identify factors associated with child stunting. The overall prevalence of stunting was 37.4%, and it was associated with numerous individual, household, and geographic factors, including child age, birthweight, and maternal education.
The primary outcome was stunting prevalence, defined as a height-for-age Z-score two or more standard deviations below the median. The overall stunting prevalence was 37.4%. Multivariable Poisson regression identified several associated factors, including child age, sex, birthweight, and recent diarrhea; maternal and paternal education and age; household access to water, sanitation, and electricity; and province. Stratified analysis showed that effects of some exposures, such as birth order, were modified by child age. The study notes limitations including potential survival bias and residual confounding. The findings suggest stunting in Angola is linked to factors at distal, intermediate, and proximal levels, indicating opportunities for multi-level interventions.
