Inequalities in the prevalence of stunting, anemia and exclusive breastfeeding among African children
Date
2022Author
Ekholuenetale, Michael
Okonji, Osaretin Christabel
Nzoputam, Chimezie Igwegbe
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Childhood stunting and anemia are on the increase in many resource-constrained settings, without
a counter increase in proper feeding practices such as exclusive breastfeeding. The objective of this study was to
explore the prevalence of stunting, anemia and exclusive breastfeeding across African countries. Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from 39 African countries was analyzed. Data from under 5
children were analyzed. Forest plot was used to determine inequalities in the prevalence of the outcome variables. The prevalence of stunting was highest in Burundi (56%), Madagascar (50%) and Niger (44%). In addition,
Burkina Faso (88%), Mali (82%), Cote d’Ivoire and Guinea (75% each) and Niger (73%) had the highest prevalence of
anemia. Furthermore, Burundi (83%), Rwanda (81%) and Zambia (70%) had the highest exclusive breastfeeding. We
found statistical significant difference in the prevalence of stunting, anemia and exclusive breastfeeding (p < 0.001).
Higher prevalence of stunting and anemia were estimated among the male, rural residents, those having mothers
with low education and from poor household wealth.