Abstract:
Background: Stunting remains a major public health problem in developing countries like
Ethiopia. The prevalence of stunting among children under five years at the national level was
ranged from 39.9%-57.7%. However, there is still limited evidence in East Hararghe.
Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of stunting and identify associated
factors among children aged 6-59 months attending the pediatric outpatient department at
Haramaya General Hospital (HGH), East Hararghe, from June 15 to August 15, 2025.
Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 375 children aged 6
59 months and their caregivers at Haramaya General Hospital from June 15 to August 15, 2025.
The sample size was determined using the proportional to population size method with a 95%
confidence level and 0.05 margin of error. Data were collected interviewer-administered
questionnaires using a structured questionnaire and age-height measurements. Descriptive
statistics were used to summarize variables, while bivariable and multivariable logistic regression
identified factors associated with stunting. Variables with p<0.20 in bivariable analysis were
candidates for multivariable analysis, with statistical significance declared at p<0.05 and 95% CI.
The multicollinearity and model fitness checked using
Result: Out of a total 385 child–caregiver pairs participated in the study, 375 were eligible and
consenting participants, yielding a 97.40% response rate. The overall prevalence of stunting was
42.4% (95% CI: 37.3-47.6%). Of this, 38.0% were moderately stunted and 62.0% were severely
stunted. Multivariable analysis showed significant associations with child age <21 months (AOR:
5.78; 95% CI: 3.21-11.31), poor caregiver knowledge on dietary intake (AOR: 2.56; 95% CI: 1.21
3.56), negative attitude on dietary intake (AOR: 2.86; 95% CI: 1.21-4.34), poor practice on dietary
intake (AOR: 2.11; 95% CI: 1.34-4.56), poor knowledge on WASH (AOR: 2.45; 95% CI: 1.67
6.98), negative attitude on WASH (AOR: 2.13; 95% CI: 1.98-4.11), fewer than four ANC visits
(AOR: 10.34; 95% CI: 4.78-52.7), and maternal age >32 years (AOR: 2.45; 95% CI: 1.76-3.45).
Conclusion: This study demonstrates that stunting remains a major public health problem among
children aged 6-59 months at HGH, with a prevalence of 42.4% exceeding WHO thresholds. A
substantial proportion were severely stunted, reflecting chronic undernutrition. Thus, the study
advised addressing stunting in this setting requires integrated, transformative approaches that
enhance household economic resilience, support maternal caregiving, promote diverse diets.
