DETERMINANTS OF STUNTING AND RECOVERY FROM STUNTING IN NORTHWEST UGANDA

Background. Socioeconomic deprivation is associated with unhealthy liv ing conditions and insufficient nutrient intake which affect linear gr owth. This study investigates the major risk factors which influence s tunting in Northwest Uganda, the age range at which growth failure is more likely to occur, and the age at which chances of recovery are hig her. Methods. In February-March 1987, 1072 children <5 years, were sel ected from 30 villages in Arua district (Northwest Uganda) and include d in a longitudinal study. The children were measured for length and h eight; household socioeconomic and environmental variables were collec ted in order to assess risk factors for the future development of stun ting. Two years after baseline, the height of the children was measure d again. Results. Children who were <29 months old at baseline were at higher risk for linear growth faltering in the following 2 years; inc ome, mother's education and presence of stunting at baseline were sign ificant predictors of stunting. However, being stunted at age <6 month s or between 54 and 59 months old carried the same risk of remaining s tunted after 2 years, and the probability of recovering from stunting was the same in every age group. Conclusions. These results suggest th at, in this population, linear growth is influenced by environmental f actors. It is a dynamic process continuing beyond the first 2-3 years of life, and the probability of catching up is very similar across all age groups <5 years old. Recovery from stunting is more associated wi th mother's education than with income.