PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF STUNTING AMONG CHILDREN AGED 6-59 MONTHS ATTENDING THE PEDIATRIC OUTPATIENT DEPARTMENT AT HARAMAYA GENERAL HOSPITAL IN EAST HARARGHE, ETHIOPIA

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.