Stunting is Associated with Low Birth Weight Among 3-12 Years Old Boys in Purba Medinipur, West Bengal, India

Abstract

Stunting is a serious public health issue. It raises the risk of sickness in infancy and childhood. Low- and middle-income nations, notably India, have been battling for years to overcome this major issue, which is also connected to many socioeconomic and biological issues. However, understanding the interaction pattern of undernutrition with these determinants is critical for efficient policies and execution. Stunting (low height-for-age) in newborns and children is a well-known and simple indicator of undernutrition. The current study sought to determine the relationship among stunting, socioeconomic, demographic, and birth-related variables. The research was conducted in the Haldia municipality and Deshopran block (West Bengal, India). The participants were 291 (50.5%) urban and 285 (49.5%) rural boys aged 3-12 years. Stunting was defined as height-for-age ‘Z Score’ < -2. Overall, 13.88% boys were stunted. Stunting was significantly associated with low birth weight (LBW), controlling for all other significant variables.