Prevalence of stunting and its associated factors among children 6–59 months of age in pastoralist community, Northeast Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION: Globally, stunting is a significant public health concern and it is very critical in Ethiopia. This research aims to determine the prevalence of stunting and its correlates among children in the pastoral community. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Dubti District, Afar Region, North East Ethiopia from 2–31 January 2018. A total of 554 children were recruited using a multi-stage sampling technique and participated in this study. A binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors linked to stunting. The significance of the associations was determined at a p-value < 0.05 and the adjusted odds ratio at 95% CI was calculated to evaluate the strength of the associations. RESULTS: The prevalence of stunting was 39.5% (95% CI: 35.4–43.5%). The odds of stunting were increased, so does the age of the child increased as compared to 6–11 months of children. Initiating breastfeeding after 1 hour after birth (AOR = 1.99; 95% CI: 1.22, 3.23), not exclusively breastfeeding for at least 6 months (AOR = 2.57; 95% CI: 1.49, 4.42), poor dietary diversity (AOR = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.03, 3.62), and using unprotected water for drinking (AOR = 1.68; 95% CI: 1.21, 2.94) were significant factors. CONCLUSION: Among children aged 6–59 months, the level of stunting in the pastoral community was significantly high. The study found that stunting was associated with multiple nutritional and non-nutritional factors. To tackle stunting, inter-sectoral cooperation is needed by enhancing the clean water supply of the community, optimal breastfeeding practice, food diversity, and economic status.