Exploring the factors influencing undernutrition among children under five in Tanzania

Abstract

Undernutrition is common, especially in low-income countries. Tanzania has the highest number of stunted and wasted children. This present study aims to analyze the determinants of undernutrition among children under the age of five in the country. The Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey Data (TDHS) for 2015/16 was utilized in this research, which employed a cross-sectional survey technique. Research employed a binary logit model to analyze the determinants of undernutrition among under five years in Tanzania. Study outcomes shed light on key determinants of undernutrition among under-five children in the nation. Results illustrate that child age, gender, parental maternal education, marital status, access to clean water, and food security emerge as significant factors influencing the prevalence of stunting. Variables including secondary education, university education, parent education, marital status, food security, and access to clean water were associated with child wasting. Results at the same time indicate that child gender (4.15, with a p-value of 0.000), secondary education (Odds Ratio: 4.06, p-value: 0.019), university education of parents (Odds Ratio=4.53, p-value=0.021), and marital status (2.52, with a p-value of 0.039) are significantly associated with child underweight. These findings highlight the nature of undernutrition, necessitating comprehensive and targeted interventions. Addressing these determinants, which promote educational initiatives, enhance water accessibility, and foster food security, is vital to establishing effective tactics for curbing undernutrition among the vulnerable demographic of under-five children in Tanzania.