Bayesian geostatistical modelling of stunting in Rwanda: risk factors and spatially explicit residual stunting burden.

BACKGROUND: Stunting remains a significant public health issue in Rwanda and its prevalence exhibits considerable geographical variation. We apply Bayesian geostatistical modelling to study the spatial pattern of stunting in children less than five years considering anthropometric, socioeconomic and demographic risk factors in Rwanda. In addition, we predict the spatial residuals effects to quantify the burden of stunting not accounted for by our geostatistical model. METHODS: We used the data from the 2015 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey. We fitted two spatial logistic models with similar structures, only differentiated by the inclusion or exclusion of spatially structured random effects. RESULTS: The risk factors of stunting identified in the geostatistical model were being male (OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.16, 1.47), lower birthweight (kg) (OR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.95, 0.97), non-exclusive breastfeeding (OR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.45), occurrence of diarrhoea in the last two weeks (OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.37), a lower proportion of mothers with overweight (BMI ≥ 25) (OR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.71, 0.95), a higher proportion of mothers with no or only primary education (OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 0.99, 1.36). Also, a higher probability of living in a house with poor flooring material (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.41), reliance on a non-improved water source (OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.27), and a low wealth index were identified as risk factors of stunting. Mapping of the spatial residuals effects showed that, in particular, the Northern and Western regions, followed by the Southern region of Rwanda, still exhibit a higher risk of stunting even after accounting for all the covariates in the spatial model. CONCLUSIONS: Further studies are needed to identify the still unknown spatially explicit factors associated with higher risk of stunting. Finally, given the spatial heterogeneity of stunting, interventions to reduce stunting should be geographically targeted.

Stunting spatial pattern in Rwanda: An examination of the demographic, socio-economic and environmental determinants.

Stunting is recognised as a major public health problem in Rwanda. We therefore aimed to study the demographic, socio-economic and environmental factors determining the spatial pattern of stunting. A cross-sectional study using the data from the 2014- 2015 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey and environmental data from external geospatial datasets were conducted. The study population was children less than two years old with their mothers. A multivariate linear regression model was used to estimate the effects of demographic, socio-economic and biophysical factors and a proxy measure of aflatoxins exposure on height-for-age. Also, a spatial prediction map of height-for-age to examine the stunting pattern was produced. It was found that age of child, height of mother, secondary education and higher, a child being male and birth weight were associated with height-for-age. After adjusting for demographic and socioeconomic factors, elevation and being served by a rural market were also significantly associated with low height-for-age in children. The spatial prediction map revealed the variability of height-for-age at the cluster-level that was lost when the levels are aggregated at the district level. No associations with height-for-age were found for exclusive breastfeeding, use of deworming tablets, improved water source and improved sanitation in the study population. In addition to the child and mother factors known to determine height-for-age, our study confirms the influence of environmental factors in determining the height-of-age of children in Rwanda. A consideration of the environmental drivers of anthropometric status is crucial to have a holistic approach to reduce stunting.

Predictors of stunting with particular focus on complementary feeding practices: A cross-sectional study in the northern province of Rwanda.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to review the factors associated with stunting in the northern province of Rwanda by assessing anthropometric status, dietary intake, and overall complementary feeding practices. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study with 138 children 5 to 30 mo of age. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on sociodemographic characteristics of each mother and child and breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices. Anthropometric status was assessed using height-for-age z-scores for children and body mass index for caregivers. Dietary intakes were estimated using a 24-h recall. Multiple linear and logistic regression models were performed to study the predictors of height-for-age z scores and stunting. RESULTS: There was a 42% stunting prevalence. Prevalence of continued breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding were 92% and 50%, respectively. Most children (62%) fell into the low dietary diversity score group. The nutrient intake from complementary foods was below recommendations. The odds of stunting were higher in children >12 mo of age (odds ratio [OR], 1.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08-1.29). Exclusive breastfeeding (OR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.10-0.48) and deworming tablet use in the previous 6 mo (OR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.07-0.80) decreased significantly the odds of stunting in children. Also, the body mass index of the caretaker (ß = 0.08 kg/m2; 95% CI, 0.00-0.17) and dietary zinc intake (ß = 1.89 mg/d; 95% CI, 0.29-3.49) were positively associated with the height-for-age z scores. CONCLUSION: Interventions focusing on optimal nutrition during the complementary feeding stage, exclusive breastfeeding, and the use of deworming tablets have the potential to substantially reduce stunting in children in the northern province of Rwanda.

Data on child complementary feeding practices, nutrient intake and stunting in Musanze District, Rwanda.

Stunting prevalence in Rwanda is still a major public health issue, and data on stunting is needed to plan relevant interventions. This data, collected in 2015, presents complementary feeding practices, nutrient intake and its association with stunting in infants and young children in Musanze District in Rwanda. A household questionnaire and a 24-h recall questionnaire were used to collect the data. In total 145 children aged 5-30 months participated in the study together with their caregivers. The anthropometric status of children was calculated using WHO Anthro software [1] according to the WHO growth standards [2]. The complementary feeding practices together with households' characteristics are reported per child stunting status. The nutrient intake and food group consumption are presented per age group of children. Also, the percentage contribution of each food groups to energy and nutrient intake in children is reported. The data also shows the association between zinc intake and age groups of children. Using multiple linear regression, a sensitivity analysis was done with height-for-age z-score as the dependent variable and exclusive breastfeeding, deworming table use, BMI of caregiver, dietary zinc intake as independent variables. The original linear regression model and a detailed methodology and analyses conducted are presented in Uwiringiyimana et al. [3].