Determinants of Stunting Among Children Aged 6-23 Months in Rural Arid and Semi-arid (Asal) Counties in Kenya

Abstract

Just over one-quarter of Kenyan children under the age of five are stunted, or too short for their age. This is a symptom of chronic malnutrition. Rural regions have a higher incidence of stunting (29%) than urban areas (20%). In Arid and semi-arid land (ASAL) counties, stunting among children aged 6 to 23 months varies from 17 to 46 percent, according to data. This study's objective was to investigate the factors of stunting among children aged 6–23 months in rural ASAL areas in Kenya. Specifically to determining the trends of stunting among children aged 6–23 months in Kenya's rural ASAL area and analysing the influence of socioeconomic determinants on stunting among children aged 6–23 months in Kenya's rural ASAL counties. The study used KDHS 2014 as a source of data. In estimating the determinants, Probit regression model was used. From the results, it was notable that stunting was more pronounced in arid areas compared to semi-arid areas at 58.6 and 41.4 percent respectively. In arid and semi-arid rural areas, stunting trends at 38.4 percent and 28.9 percent respectively compared to urban where it trends at 20.6 percent compared to 12.6 percent respectively. Age of the mother, age squared of the mother, age of the child, marital status, education levels, wealth index, employment status, health insurance, awareness levels, distance greater than four kilometres, and desire for more children were statistically significant, according to the model estimation. The study recommends for increased civic education as the government intervention. The line ministries should conduct campaigns, and general advocacy to reverse the effects. The government may work with the private sector to provide and support nursing mothers with a few more weeks of maternity leave. In addition, a national effort should be made to establish rules that compel businesses to adopt childcare practices by providing a conducive climate at the workplace so that mothers who desire to bring their children to work may do so. To address regional disparities in child malnutrition, national governments should enhance healthcare expenditures in ASAL rural areas to ease the burden of purchasing additional health products by mothers with children aged 6-23 months. Specifically, they should expand funding for nutritionists and dietitians stationed in hospitals and communities. It is important to understand that that education interventions can help increase knowledge on the importance of adopting better nutrition, enabling individuals to make informed decisions.