Factors Affecting Stunting Growth of Children in Pakistan: Evidence from Pakistan Demographic Health Survey 2017-18

Abstract

Pakistan is one of the pioneer countries, who agreed-upon Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)’s global agenda in 2016. UNO set the country-based targets to eliminate stunting by 40% by 2025 (Branca et al., 2015a). As a developing country, Pakistan faces an untoward situation and strives to achieve the commitments and targets. Stunting growth is a multi-layered problem. Stunting, along with severe physical effects of stunting, casts lifelong shortcomings among children and militate their natural potential and mental growth. Furthermore, stunting can cause up to a 3% loss in GDP. The situation and stakes attached with the issue make it conspicuous enough to be addressed. This paper’s core objective is to explore the effects of socio-economic factors on stunting growth in Pakistan. Secondary data analysis was conducted on nationally representative cross-sectional survey data from the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (PDHS), 2017-2018. The given analysis was limited to children stunting growth with sample (N=5360). Notably, data were analysed through descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found that children’s stunting growth was associated with mother education obtaining, locality (less developed area), children's incomplete immunization status, father’s education level, mother earnings types, food diversity, drinking water source, and language-based ethnicity. The study concluded that stunting growth halted the government of Pakistan's efforts to achieve sustainable development goals regarding health and well-being. The problem is multi-dimensional; thus, a collaborative strategy is required to intervene at various levels (individual, family, organizational, and community). It has also been recommended that the parents be aware of their role in the mother’s timely child immunization and diet in the pre and postnatal period. Community sensitization through local influencers’ engagement would catalyse behaviour change toward child immunization programs. The government and social sector provide complete immunization, food provision, health facilities in less developed areas, and education for the parents.