Predictors of stunting among children aged 6-59 months in Kitui County, Kenya

Background: Stunting in children below the age of five is a significant public health problem in Kenya. Stunting has transitory and lifelong effects on people and communities, including high risk of morbidity and death, lowered mental and physical growth, and decreased productivity. Objective: To investigate the predictors of stunting in children aged 6 to 59 months in Kitui County, Kenya. Methods: This was a cross-sectional analytical survey that used multistage cluster sampling. Data were gathered through questionnaires, interviews with key informants and discussions with focus groups. Anthropometric measurements were taken to assess the rate of stunting. Results: The stunting rate was 26.6%. The independent predictors of stunting included birth weight < 2500 grams (AOR = 2.302; 95% CI: 1.027-6.150; p: 0.043), having secondary education (AOR = 5.404; 95% CI: 1.607-18.173; p: 0.006), mother's MUAC < 23 cm (AOR = 2.845; 95% CI: 1.125-7.192; p:0.012), and having no access to a latrine/toilet (AOR = 0.008; 95% CI: 0.009-0.561; p: 0.013). Conclusions: Stunting was high and was influenced by sociodemographic factors, and the household environment.