Magnitude and Factors Associated with Stunting and Wasting among Children aged 1 to 5 years in Rural Rajshahi: An Observational Study

Background & Objective: In rural Bangladesh, stunting and wasting in children aged one to five were a serious concern due to childhood malnutrition. The study examined the complicated variables that led to malnutrition, such as socioeconomic inequality, restricted access to healthcare, and inadequate nutrition education. The goals were to determine the determinants, evaluate the prevalence, and provide guidance for focused actions. Methods: Conducted in Pythia Upazila, Rajshahi, from August to October 2023, the community-based cross-sectional study focused on 510 children aged 1–5 years. Data collection involved anthropometric measurements, vaccination assessments, and a semi-structured questionnaire. Statistical analyses, employing logistic regressions and chi-square tests, were executed using SPSS and ENA for SMART software. Results: The study, involving 510 respondents with an average age of 35.90 months, revealed varied health indicators. Stunting prevalence was 16.1% severe, 24.7% marginal, 25.7% moderate, and 33.9% normal. Wasting prevalence showed 15.7% severe, 23.5% slight, 22.2% moderate, and 38.6% normal. Low birth weight increased the risk of stunting, while hospital delivery reduced it. Male gender raised the risk, and a 'rich-in-protein-diet' lowered it. For wasting, factors like age (24-35 months), gender, birth order (OR: 0.004), early weaning, and a 'rich-in-protein' diet (OR: 0.438) significantly impacted the results (p<.008, p<.000). Conclusion: This study provided important insights for interventions by illuminating the multifaceted causes that drove childhood malnutrition in rural Bangladesh. The intricate relationship between demographic and socioeconomic variables highlighted the necessity of focused interventions. The substantial correlations revealed, notably between stunting and gender, underlined the importance of diverse interventions to successfully combat malnutrition in this population