Abstract:
Background: Stunting indicates a failure to achieve one’s genetic potential for height and thought to be the result of chronic under nutrition originating in infancy. Mothers who are educated are more likely to make decisions that will improve nutrition and health of their children.
Objective: To assess magnitude of stunting among children less than five years age and to explore its association with maternal education in SNNPR, Ethiopia
Methods: Based on data from Alive and Thrive in collaboration with ACIPH End line nutrition survey conducted in SNNPR from August 01 - September 05,2014. Pre-tested standardized questionnaire and trained data collectors were used. Across sectional with internal comparison study design was used. Double data entry was done by independent data clerks. Descriptive, binary and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 (SPSS Illinois, Chicago).
Results; The prevalence of child stunting were 39.1% in SNNPR. Child age, maternal educations, household wealth index, maternal autonomy, maternal BMI, mother’s height were independent predicators of child stunting. Mother completed secondary and above schooling were 0.52 times less likely to have stunted child than mother never attended any formal schooling.
Conclusion & recommendation: Child stunting still goes public health problem of the region. Consequently women empowerments, promotion of maternal education, multi sector approach were recommended.
....................................... Thesis available at ACIPH Library