Application of Marginal Models to Identify Risk Factors of Childhood Stunting in Ethiopia

Background: Child malnutrition is an underlying cause of almost half (45%) of child deaths, particularly in low socioeconomic communities of developing countries. In Ethiopia, the prevalence of stunting decreased from 47% in 2005 to 39% in 2016. Objective: The main objective of the study was identifying risk factors of stunting among under-five children in Ethiopia using marginal models. Methods: : Data was taken from the EDHS 2016, which is a nationally representative survey of children in the 0-59 month age groups. Generalized estimating equation and alternating logistic regression models from marginal models family were used for the analysis. Results: : The result of the analysis revealed that the variables child’s age, mother’s education level, mother’s body mass index, place of residence, wealth index and previous birth interval were found to be significant determinants of childhood stunting in Ethiopia and from the result it is revealed that children born with lower previous birth interval (less than 24 months) were more likely to be stunted than those born within higher birth interval. Children of rural Ethiopia were more likely to be stunted than children of urban Ethiopia. Conclusion: It is suggested that for reducing childhood malnutrition, due emphasis should be given in improving the knowledge and practice of parents on appropriate young child feeding practice and frequent growth monitoring together with appropriate and timely interventions.