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  • Exploring the interplay of gender, breastfeeding practices, and minimum dietary diversity on stunting among Indonesian children aged 6–23 months

    Rossa Amalia1, Hartati Eko Wardani2, Tika Dwi Tama3, Anindya Hapsari4
    1. State University of Malang , ID
    2. State University of Malang , ID
    3. State University of Malang , ID
    4. State University of Malang , ID
    2025-06-14
    doi https://doi.org/10.56003/phosj.v1i1.540
    Published Online: 14 June 2025
    |
    page 114-126
    Abstract

    Background: Stunting has the highest prevalence compared to other major malnutrition problems. Risk factors for stunting include gender, breastfeeding, and complementary feeding practices. Stunting requires a faster reduction in prevalence to avoid functional losses in children.

    Objectives: This study aimed to determine the association between gender, early breastfeeding initiation, exclusive breastfeeding, breastfeeding status, and Minimum Dietary Diversity with the incidence of stunting.

    Methods: This study was an observational analytic study with a cross-sectional approach. The population of the study was children aged 6-23 months in West Java who were sampled by the Indonesian Nutrition Status Study (SSGI) 2021, and the study sample was all members of the population who met the inclusion criteria. Data in this study were obtained through SSGI 2021 documentation and analyzed using the Chi-Square and logistic regression tests.

    Results: The results of the bivariate analysis showed a significant association between gender (OR=1.249; 95%CI 1.013-1.540; p=0.042) and breastfeeding status (OR=0.693; 95%CI 0.533-0.901; p=0.007) with the incidence of stunting. Early breastfeeding initiation (p=0.792), exclusive breastfeeding (p=0.059), and MDD (p=0.882) had no significant association with the incidence of stunting in children aged 6-23 months in West Java. Multivariate analysis showed that the most influential factor in the incidence of stunting was gender (OR=1.260; 95%CI 1.022-1.555; p=0.031).

    Conclusions: This study shows the association between gender and breastfeeding status on the incidence of stunting. Further research is recommended to explore the role of complementary feeding practices and maternal nutrition in stunting prevention.

    APA Citation Style
    Amalia, R. , Wardani, H. E. , Tama, T. D. , & Hapsari, A. (2025). Exploring the interplay of gender, breastfeeding practices, and minimum dietary diversity on stunting among Indonesian children aged 6–23 months. Public Health and Occupational Safety Journal, 114-126. https://doi.org/10.56003/phosj.v1i1.540

  • Maternal education and child stunting in Kenya: The role of socio-economic confounding using DHS 2022 data

    Anastacia Katungo Maluki1, Zerai Hagos2, Kabiru Gulma3, Michael Musili Nzau4
    1. Doctoral Programme in Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Euclid University, Banjul , GM
    2. Doctoral Programme in Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Euclid University, Banjul , GM
    3. School of Global Health and Bioethics, Euclid University, Bangui , CF
    4. United Nations Development Programme, New York , US
    2026-05-24
    doi https://doi.org/10.56003/phosj.v2i1.743
    Published Online: 24 May 2026
    |
    page 41-56
    Abstract

    Background: Child stunting remains a major public health challenge in Kenya, reflecting long‑term nutritional deprivation and socioeconomic inequalities. Although maternal education is widely considered protective, its independent effect is often unclear due to confounding by structural factors.

    Objectives: To examine the association between maternal education and child stunting among children under five in Kenya and to assess the extent of confounding and effect modification by key sociodemographic factors.

    Methods: A cross‑sectional analytical study was conducted using data from the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS). The sample included 19,530 children aged 0–59 months. Stunting was defined using height‑for‑age z-scores (<-2 SD). Descriptive, bivariate, stratified, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed, accounting for the complex survey design.

    Results: Stunting prevalence was 18.2%. Stunting decreased with increasing maternal education, from 21.4–21.7% among children of mothers with no or primary education to 8.7% among those with higher education (χ² = 238, p < 0.001). However, the association was weak (Cramer’s V = 0.117) and attenuated after adjustment for socioeconomic factors. Household wealth was the strongest predictor, with children in the richest households having significantly lower odds of stunting than those in the poorest households (AOR = 0.268; 95% CI: 0.222–0.323; p < 0.001). Stunting risk increased with age, particularly among children aged 6–23 months, while females had lower odds than males (OR = 0.717; 95% CI: 0.662–0.776). Stratified analyses showed stronger protective effects of maternal education among older children. In contrast, variation across wealth groups should be interpreted cautiously, given inconsistent and non-significant findings in some strata. No meaningful effect modification by child sex was identified.

    Conclusions: Child stunting in Kenya is primarily driven by structural socioeconomic factors. While maternal education is associated with reduced stunting, its effect is highly context dependent. Addressing poverty and inequality is essential for effective and equitable reductions in child stunting.

    APA Citation Style
    Maluki, A. K. , Hagos, Z. , Gulma, K. , & Nzau, M. M. (2026). Maternal education and child stunting in Kenya: The role of socio-economic confounding using DHS 2022 data. Public Health and Occupational Safety Journal, 41-56. https://doi.org/10.56003/phosj.v2i1.743
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