Stunted linear growth continues to be a public health problem that overwhelms the entire world and, particularly, developing countries. Despite several interventions designed and implemented to reduce stunting, the rate of 33.1% is still high for the proposed target of 19% in 2024. This study investigated the prevalence and associated factors of stunting among children aged 6–23 months from poor households in Rwanda. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 817 mother–child dyads (two individuals from one home) living in low-income families in five districts with a high prevalence of stunting. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the prevalence of stunting. In addition, we used bivariate analysis and a multivariate logistic regression model to measure the strength of the association between childhood stunting and exposure variables. The prevalence of stunting was 34.1%. Children from households without a vegetable garden (AOR = 2.165, p-value < 0.01), children aged 19–23 months (AOR = 4.410, p-value = 0.01), and children aged 13–18 months (AOR = 2.788, p-value = 0.08) showed increased likelihood of stunting. On the other hand, children whose mothers were not exposed to physical violence (AOR = 0.145, p-value < 0.001), those whose fathers were working (AOR = 0.036, p-value = 0.001), those whose parents were both working (AOR = 0.208, p-value = 0.029), and children whose mothers demonstrated good hand washing practice (AOR = 0.181, p-value < 0.001) were less likely to be stunted. Our findings underscore the importance of integrating the promotion of handwashing practices, owning vegetable gardens, and intimate partner violence prevention in the interventions to fight child stunting.

Linear growth faltering remains a pervasive public health concern that affects many children worldwide. This study aimed to investigate possible maternal factors promoting normal linear growth among children aged 6–23 months of age from impoverished Rwandan households. We used a three-stage cluster sampling procedure. The study population consisted of children aged six to 23 months and their mothers who lived in the study districts. A structured questionnaire helped to collect data from 807 selected mother-child dyads. The primary outcome variable was height-for-age Z scores. The main predictors were maternal income-generating activity, maternal education, maternal depression, household decision making, number of ANC visits, use of family planning method, types of family planning, and mode of delivery. We used univariate analysis to establish median, frequencies, and percentages. Furthermore, we used the Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, and Spearman rank correlation tests for bivariate analysis. We included in the final model of robust linear regression for multivariate analysis the potential confounding variables identified as significantly associated with the outcome (child age, participation in works for both parents, good handwashing practice, owning a vegetable garden, and the total number of livestock) along with maternal factors. Maternal factors that promoted normal linear growth of children were the presence of maternal income generation activity (β= 0.640 [0.0269 1.253], p value = 0.041), the participation of the mother in the decision-making process of the household (β=0.147 [0.080 0.214], p-value < 0.001), and the higher frequency of consultations with ANC (β=0.189 [0.025 0.354], p-value = 0.024). Additionally, a combination of household decision-making with the number of ANC visits predicted an increase in the linear growth of the child (β=0.032 [0.019 0.045], p-value < 0.001). Maternal factors such as maternal income-generating activity, maternal participation in household decision making, and increased number of ANC visits were found to promote normal child linear growth. These results contribute valuable information to the formulation of interventions and policies to improve child nutrition and growth in the community studied.

BackgroundDiarrhoea continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five, particularly in developing countries, including Rwanda. This study examined trends and risk factors for childhood diarrhea in Rwanda.MethodsA secondary analysis of children's records was conducted among 8,706 households in 2010, 7,261 in 2014/15, and 4,409 in 2019/20. The univariate analysis summarized the variables and described the trends in diarrhea by districts during the 2010, 2014/15, and 2019/2020 RDHS. Simple logistic regression identified associations between diarrhea and potential factors, while a multivariable model retained significant variables after addressing multicollinearity. The results were presented as adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals and p-values <0.05.ResultsThe prevalence of childhood diarrhoea in Rwanda followed a U-shaped trend, falling from 12.81% in 2010 to 11.62% in 2015, and then rising to 13.65% in 2020. Factors independently associated with diarrhea included household heads less than 25 years old, households with ≥4 members, not breastfeeding, less frequent radio/TV exposure, bottle feeding and unimproved toilet facilities.ConclusionInterventions should focus on supporting less educated caregivers through health education, improved water, hygiene, and sanitation practices, and promotion of breastfeeding. Ensuring equitable access to clean water is also essential for reducing diarrhoea.Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2025;8(3):483-501

We assessed the prevalence and correlates of stunting among children aged 6-23 months from poor households in Rwanda. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 817 mother-child dyads living in poor households from five districts with a high prevalence of stunting. We used descriptive statistics to determine the prevalence of stunting, bivariate analysis, and a multivariate logistic re-gression model to measure the strength of the Association between childhood stunting and exposure variables. Stunting was at 34.1%. Children aged 19-23 months (AOR = 4.410, 95% CI: [1.911-10.173], p-value=0.01), children aged 13-18 months (AOR=2.788, 95% CI: [1.302-5.968], p-value=0.08), children from households that do not have a vegetable garden (AOR=2.165, 95% CI: [1.201-3.905], p-value<0.01) were more likely to be stunted. On the other hand, children whose mothers were not exposed to physical violence (AOR= 0.145, 95% CI: [0.074-0.287], p-value<0.001), children whose fathers were working (AOR=0.036, 95% CI: [0.005-0.242], p-value=0.001), children whose both parents were working (AOR=0.208, 95% CI: [0.051-0.851], p-value=0.029) and children whose mothers had good hand-washing practice (AOR=0.181, 95% CI: [0.091-0.362], p-value<0.001) were less likely to be stunted. Our findings underscore the importance of integrating the promotion of hand-washing practices, owning vegetable gardens, and intimate partner violence prevention in the interventions to fight stunting.

Background: Childhood stunting remains a major public health challenge in Rwanda, affecting child growth, development, and long-term health outcomes. This study explored the views of parents and front-line workers to inform community-driven strategies to prevent stunting. Methods: Focus Group Discussions (FGD) and Key Informant Interviews (KII) were conducted among 83 parents and front-line workers in five districts of Rwanda, including Nyaruguru, Rutsiro, Burera, Kayonza, and Gasabo, all purposively selected based on their high prevalence of stunting in their respective provinces and Kigali City. The conventional content analysis approach was used to identify the main themes. Results: Three core themes were identified from the data and were related to: (1) perceived roles of community-led nutrition and hygiene interventions, (2) challenges in the implementation of community-based programmes, and (3) suggested approaches to enhance community participation and adherence. The highlighted strategies included strengthening caregiver capacity, promoting nutrition education, improving access to health and family planning services, and supporting economically feasible interventions such as facilitating access to fruits through fruit trees and small livestock growing. Conclusion: Enhancing community coordination, promoting nutrition education, ensuring access to health and family planning services, and strengthening caregiver capacity were suggested as essential community-driven strategies to reduce stunting.

Background Linear growth faltering continues to be a pervasive public health concern, considering its persistent prevalence and repercussions. This study aimed to investigate potential maternal factors promoting normal linear growth among children from impoverished Rwandan households. Methods A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 807 mother-child dyads selected using a multi-stage cluster sampling procedure. The main outcome variable was height-for-age Z-scores. The main predictors were the mother has income-generating activity, maternal education, maternal depression, household decision-making (HHDM), number of ANC visits, use of family planning method, family planning types, and mode of delivery. The potential confounding variables were child age, both parents working, good handwashing practice, owning a vegetable garden, and the total number of livestock. Univariate analysis was used to establish means, frequencies, and percentages; the Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, and Spearman Rank Correlation tests were used for bivariate analysis and robust linear regression for multivariable analysis. Results Maternal factors promoting normal linear growth of children were the presence of the mother’s income-generating activity (ꞵ=0.640 [0.0269−1.253], p-value=0.041), mother’s involvement in household decision-making (ꞵ=0.147 [0.080− 0.214], p-value<0.001), and higher frequency of ANC consultations (ꞵ=0.189 [0.025− 0.354], p-value=0.024). Additionally, a combination of household decision-making with ANC visit numbers predicted an increase in child linear growth (ꞵ=0.032 [0.019− 0.045], p-value<0.001). Conclusion Maternal factors such as maternal income-generating activity, maternal involvement in household decision-making, and increased number of ANC visits were found to promote normal child linear growth and can provide valuable information for shaping interventions and policies aimed at promoting child growth in the Rwandan community.