Prevalence and Correlates of Chronic Malnutrition among the Infants of Rahim Yar Khan District

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of chronic malnutrition among infants in Rahim Yar Khan District, Pakistan, and explore the influence of child gender, maternal education, and household wealth on this health outcome. Data were collected from a sample of infants aged 0 to 11 months in Rahim Yar Khan District. Chronic malnutrition status was measured through the incidence of child stunting, with WHO height-for-age Z-Score < -2 indicating chronic malnutrition. Logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the associations between chronic malnutrition and child gender, maternal education, and household wealth, while controlling for residential area (urban/rural). The results revealed significant associations between chronic malnutrition and household wealth (Adjusted Odds Ratio = 0.617, p = 0.021) and maternal education (Adjusted Odds Ratio = 0.677, p = 0.026). However, no significant association was found between chronic malnutrition and residential area (urban/rural) (p = 0.989) or child gender (p = 0.054). The study highlights the prevalence of chronic malnutrition among infants in Rahim Yar Khan District and underscores the importance of addressing socioeconomic determinants such as household wealth and maternal education to mitigate this public health issue. Policy interventions aimed at improving household wealth and enhancing maternal education levels could contribute to reducing the burden of chronic malnutrition among infants in the district.