High-Risk Fertility Behaviors and Child Stunting in Ethiopia
Author Information
Author(s): Zewdia Wondaya Fenta, Asmelash Daniel, Asmelash Yemane
Primary Institution: Bahir Dar University, Mizan-Tepi University, Aksum University
Hypothesis
This study aimed to investigate the spatial association between high-risk fertility behaviors and stunting in under-five children across Ethiopia’s administrative zones.
Conclusion
The study found a high prevalence and significant spatial variation in both high-risk fertility behaviors and stunting across the Ethiopian zones.
Supporting Evidence
- 60% of births were identified as high-risk fertility behaviors.
- 36.8% of children suffered from stunted growth.
- 24% of under-five children were stunted due to high-risk fertility behaviors.
- The average mean proportion of high-risk fertility behaviors was 58% across Ethiopian zones.
- The study utilized a spatial Durbin model for analysis.
Takeaway
In Ethiopia, many children are not growing tall enough because their mothers have risky pregnancy habits, and this problem is not the same everywhere in the country.
Methodology
The study used cross-sectional data from the Mini Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey 2019, analyzing a weighted sample of 4,969 under-five children using spatial model analysis.
Potential Biases
There may be biases due to self-reported data and the exclusion of certain demographics from the sample.
Limitations
The study faced challenges such as missing values in the survey data and potential reporting biases.
Participant Demographics
The study included under-five children from 64 administrative zones in Ethiopia.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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