1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
Historically, Nigeria experienced significant economic difficulties due to global oil price shocks and a downturn in agricultural productivity, which further exacerbated the problem of child malnutrition. During this time, the government introduced structural adjustment programs (SAPs) aimed at revitalizing the economy, but these measures led to reductions in public spending on health and nutrition programs (World Bank, 1990). The impact on child stunting was evident as many families, especially in low-income regions, faced worsening food insecurity and healthcare shortages. By the 1990s, the Nigerian government, in collaboration with international organizations such as UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO), began implementing policies focused on child health and nutrition. However, progress was slow due to continued economic challenges, political instability, and conflicts, particularly in northern Nigeria. The Nigerian Demographic and Health Surveys (NDHS) of the late 1990s and early 2000s revealed persistently high rates of child stunting, with prevalence exceeding 40% in some regions (NDHS, 2003).
Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Nigeria saw a growing focus on addressing child malnutrition as part of broader efforts to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and, later, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Initiatives such as the National Strategic Plan of Action for Nutrition (NSPAN), launched in 2014, sought to tackle child stunting by promoting better maternal and child health, improving feeding practices, and enhancing access to nutrition services (Federal Ministry of Health, 2014). Despite these efforts, stunting rates remained stubbornly high, with northern Nigeria continuing to bear the brunt of the problem due to widespread poverty, poor maternal health, and limited access to clean water and sanitation (UNICEF, 2015).
Recent data from the National Nutrition and Health Survey (NNHS) 2021 shows that the national stunting rate has slightly decreased but remains a critical issue, especially in the Northeast and Northwest regions. Current initiatives focus on addressing the root causes of stunting, including maternal nutrition, childhood feeding practices, and the broader socioeconomic and environmental conditions contributing to malnutrition (National Bureau of Statistics, 2021).
Stunting, a form of chronic undernutrition, affects a child's physical and cognitive development, leading to lifelong consequences. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), stunting is defined as a height-for-age ratio that is more than two standard deviations below the median of the WHO child growth standards (WHO, 2020). Stunted children are at greater risk of poor academic performance, reduced economic productivity in adulthood, and increased susceptibility to diseases due to impaired immune function. Stunting during the first 1,000 days of life, from conception to a child's second birthday, is particularly detrimental, as this is a critical period for growth and development (UNICEF, 2019).
Child stunting, defined as low height-for-age, is a significant public health challenge in many developing countries, including Nigeria. It is an indicator of chronic malnutrition, which affects children's growth and cognitive development, thereby limiting their future potential. Stunting is not only a marker of poor nutritional status but also an indicator of other underlying factors such as poverty, poor maternal and child health, and inadequate access to basic services like clean water and sanitation (World Health Organization, 2020). In Nigeria, child stunting remains a critical issue despite various governmental and international efforts aimed at reducing malnutrition. According to the National Nutrition and Health Survey (NNHS) of 2021, the national prevalence of stunting among children under five years old is 36%, with significant disparities across regions. The northern part of the country, particularly the Northeast and Northwest, records the highest rates of stunting, with percentages as high as 50% in some states (National Bureau of Statistics, 2021).
Several determinants contribute to the high rates of stunting in Nigeria, including socioeconomic factors, maternal health, child feeding practices, and environmental conditions. Studies have shown that children born into low-income families are more likely to experience stunting due to limited access to nutritious food and healthcare services (Smith et al., 2019). Additionally, inadequate maternal nutrition during pregnancy, poor breastfeeding practices, and exposure to infectious diseases are significant factors that contribute to child stunting (Black et al., 2013).
In Nigeria, stunting remains a significant public health challenge, with nearly one in three children under the age of five being stunted (National Bureau of Statistics, 2021). The northern regions of Nigeria, particularly the Northeast and Northwest, exhibit the highest rates of stunting, reflecting deep-seated socioeconomic inequalities, inadequate healthcare, and poor nutritional practices. Poverty, limited access to education, and high rates of food insecurity are pervasive in these regions, contributing to the high stunting prevalence (Smith et al., 2019). The determinants of stunting in Nigeria are multifaceted, involving an interplay of socioeconomic, maternal, environmental, and health-related factors. Maternal nutrition and health during pregnancy significantly impact fetal growth and early childhood development. Poor maternal education and health care, low household income, and inadequate feeding practices contribute to the high rates of stunting (Black et al., 2013). Furthermore, environmental factors such as lack of access to clean water and sanitation facilities, exposure to infections, and inadequate healthcare services exacerbate the situation, particularly in rural and marginalized communities (World Bank, 2020).
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Child Stunting Determinant.
1.2 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that the widespread poverty that limits access to nutritious food and healthcare services, particularly in rural areas. Families in low-income settings often struggle to provide adequate nutrition for their children, which leads to chronic malnutrition and stunting (Smith et al., 2019). Additionally, the lack of education among mothers about proper child feeding practices, such as exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding, is contributing to the problem. Maternal health issues, including poor nutrition during pregnancy, are also associated with higher stunting rates (Black et al., 2013). Environmental factors, such as inadequate access to clean water and sanitation, play a critical role in stunting. Children who are exposed to frequent infections due to poor hygiene and unsafe water are more likely to experience impaired growth (World Bank, 2020). These infections, particularly diarrhea, prevent children from absorbing essential nutrients, leading to stunting.
Furthermore, regional disparities in healthcare infrastructure and service delivery contribute to the uneven distribution of stunting, with northern Nigeria being disproportionately affected (UNICEF, 2020). Despite government interventions such as the National Strategic Plan of Action for Nutrition (NSPAN), the persistence of high stunting rates suggests that these measures are either insufficient or not adequately implemented. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of current policies and the need for more targeted and context-specific strategies to address the underlying causes of child stunting in Nigeria.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to examine the key determinants of child stunting in Nigeria. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To analyze the relationship between socioeconomic factors, such as household income and education, and child stunting in Nigeria.
- To assess the impact of maternal health, nutrition, and childcare practices on the prevalence of stunting among children under five years of age.
- To investigate the role of environmental factors, including access to clean water and sanitation, in contributing to child stunting in different regions of Nigeria.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of existing policies and programs aimed at reducing child stunting in Nigeria.
- To provide recommendations for policy makers and health practitioners on strategies to mitigate the determinants of stunting and improve child nutrition and development outcomes.
1.4 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- How do socioeconomic factors, such as household income and parental education, influence the prevalence of child stunting in Nigeria?
- What is the relationship between maternal health, nutrition, and childcare practices and the occurrence of stunting among children under five years of age in Nigeria?
- To what extent do environmental factors, such as access to clean water and sanitation, contribute to child stunting in different regions of Nigeria?
- How effective are current government policies and programs in addressing the issue of child stunting in Nigeria?
- What strategies can be recommended to reduce the determinants of stunting and improve child nutrition and health outcomes in Nigeria?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
Hypothesis One
- H0: There is no significant relationship between socioeconomic factors (such as household income and parental education) and the prevalence of child stunting in Nigeria.
- H1: There is a significant relationship between socioeconomic factors (such as household income and parental education) and the prevalence of child stunting in Nigeria.
Hypothesis Two
- H0: Maternal health and nutrition practices do not significantly influence the occurrence of stunting among children under five years of age in Nigeria.
- H1: Maternal health and nutrition practices significantly influence the occurrence of stunting among children under five years of age in Nigeria.
1.6 Significance of Study
The outcome realized from the research findings will have significance for various stakeholders:
- This study will provide valuable insights for policymakers, equipping them with data and evidence to formulate effective strategies and policies aimed at reducing child stunting in Nigeria.
- Healthcare providers will benefit from the findings of this research, as it will enhance their understanding of the factors contributing to child stunting. This knowledge will inform their practices and allow them to offer more effective nutritional guidance and support to families, ultimately improving child health outcomes.
- NGOs and community organizations involved in health and nutrition programs will find the study significant, as it will help them tailor their initiatives to the specific needs of the communities they serve. By identifying key determinants of stunting, these organizations will be able to design interventions that are culturally relevant and impactful.
- Parents and caregivers will gain awareness of the factors that contribute to child stunting through the dissemination of the study's findings. Increased understanding of proper nutrition and healthcare practices will empower them to make informed decisions about their children's health and well-being.
- Researchers and academics will find the study significant as it will contribute to the existing body of knowledge on child malnutrition in Nigeria. It will open avenues for further research on child health determinants and encourage collaborative efforts to address malnutrition challenges at local, national, and international levels.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The scope of the research is focused on the determinant of child stunting determinant in Nigeria.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
This study was limited by insufficient data on child nutrition and health indicators in Nigeria, which restricted the ability to draw comprehensive conclusions about the determinants of child stunting. The availability of reliable and up-to-date statistics was often lacking, impacting the robustness of the analysis.
Additionally, the study was faced with delays from respondents who sometimes took longer to provide the necessary information. This challenge slowed down the data collection process, impacting the research schedule and potentially leading to incomplete datasets.
Financial constraints were another limitation that affected the study. Limited funding restricted the scope of the research, including the sample size and geographical coverage. This constraint limited the ability to conduct a more extensive analysis of the determinants of child stunting across various regions of Nigeria.
Time constraints also impacted the study, as the limited duration for data collection and analysis reduced the depth of the investigation. A longer time frame would have allowed for a more thorough exploration of the factors contributing to child stunting and a more comprehensive understanding of the issue at hand.
1.9 Definition of Terms
Child Stunting: Child stunting is defined as the impaired growth and development of children due to inadequate nutrition, repeated infections, and insufficient psychosocial stimulation, typically measured by a child's height-for-age being more than two standard deviations below the World Health Organization (WHO) Child Growth Standards median (World Health Organization, 2019). Stunting not only affects a child's physical health but also has long-term implications on cognitive development and educational performance.
Determinants: in the context of this study, determinants refer to the factors that influence child stunting. These can include a range of elements such as socioeconomic status, maternal education, health and nutrition practices, and environmental conditions like access to clean water and sanitation (UNICEF, 2020). Determinants are crucial in understanding the root causes of stunting and formulating effective interventions.
Socioeconomic Factors: Socioeconomic factors encompass the social and economic conditions that affect individuals and communities, including income level, education, occupation, and social status. These factors play a significant role in determining access to resources and opportunities that influence child nutrition and health (Smith et al., 2019).
Maternal Health: Maternal health refers to the health of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. It is essential for ensuring the well-being of both mothers and their children. Poor maternal health can lead to inadequate nutrition and care during pregnancy, resulting in negative outcomes such as child stunting (Black et al., 2013).
Environmental Factors: Environmental factors include conditions in the surrounding environment that impact health and nutrition, such as access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and hygiene practices. These factors are critical in preventing diseases and ensuring proper nutrient absorption, which are essential for child growth and development (World Bank, 2020).
