How important are community characteristics in influencing children׳s nutritional status? Evidence from Malawi population-based household and community surveys

Using the 2004 data from the Malawi Integrated Household Survey and the Malawi Community Survey, this study investigates the influence of community characteristics on stunting among children under five years of age in a rural context. Multilevel logistic regression modelling on 4284 children with st...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Health & place 2014-11, Vol.30, p.187-195
Main Authors: Chikhungu, Lana Clara, Madise, Nyovani Janet, Padmadas, Sabu S.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Child Health
Child under-nutrition
Child, Preschool
Community characteristics
Female
Health technology assessment
Humans
Lineage
Malawi
Male
Malnutrition
Nutrition Surveys
Nutritional Status
Residence Characteristics
Stunting
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Summary:Using the 2004 data from the Malawi Integrated Household Survey and the Malawi Community Survey, this study investigates the influence of community characteristics on stunting among children under five years of age in a rural context. Multilevel logistic regression modelling on 4284 children with stunting as the dependent variable shows that availability of daily markets and lineage defined in terms of patrilineal or matrilineal communities were significant community determinants of childhood stunting in Malawi. There were significant differences in socio-economic status between household heads from matrilineal and patrilineal communities. Implementation of strategies that empower communities and households economically such as supporting the establishment of community daily markets and promoting household income generating opportunities can effectively reduce the burden of childhood stunting in Malawi. •A community daily market is associated with a lower likelihood of stunting.•Lower odds of stunting for children in patrilineal families than their counterparts.•Household expenditure on food is a significant predictor of child stunting.
ISSN:1353-8292
1873-2054
DOI:10.1016/j.healthplace.2014.09.006