Factors predicting chronic malnutrition among young children in Myanmar

Abstract

Chronic malnutrition (stunting) is one of the major health problems among children under five years old in Myanmar. This secondary data analysis of the Myanmar Demographic and Health Survey (2015–2016) was conducted to examine the predictors of childhood chronic malnutrition in Myanmar. The samples of mothers who had children less than five years of age were selected by setting inclusion and exclusion criteria. To get the required data from the original data sources, a data record form was used. For detailed data analysis, descriptive data analysis, Chi-square test, and binary logistic regression analysis were used. Of a total 1,459 children, 15.8% of children suffered from chronic malnutrition. According to the Chi-square test, birth weight, breastfeeding, maternal education, ANC visits, and wealth index were significantly associated with chronic malnutrition (p<0.05). Furthermore, birth weight (OR = 1.87, p=0.009) and breastfeeding (OR = 2.05, p=0.000) significantly predicted chronic malnutrition. Likewise, the wealth index was another significant predictor of childhood chronic malnutrition with binary logistic regression results: richer (OR = 1.71, p=0.034), middle (OR = 2.21, p=0.005), poorer (OR = 2.45, p=0.004), and poorest (OR = 3.26, p=0.000) families compared to those of the richest families. Based on the findings of the study, it recommends that nurses understand the situation and influence factors of chronic malnutrition in Myanmar. Implication of the thesis: This present study reflects the predicting factors of chronic malnutrition among young children in Myanmar. All health care providers, especially nurses, should emphasize low birth weight infants for prevention of chronic malnutrition and promote breastfeeding for all infants and children in Myanmar. Policy makers should try poverty reduction and establish health care services that are easily accessible for the public, especially for the poor.