Association of childcare practices and stunting among children beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program: A nested case-control study

Abstract

Background: Childcare is a challenging task particularly for caregivers in urban slums. The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) aims to improve the beneficiaries' caregiving practices, which could compensate for the negative effects of poverty on children's nutritional status.

Objective: To determine the association of childcare practices (CCP) and stunting among children beneficiaries residing in Pasay City.

Methodology: This nested case-control study included 7 to 9 year-old children cohorts who were enrolled in the 4Ps in 2008, comprising of 82 stunted and 97 normal children. The outcome and predictor variables were the child's height-for-age z score (HAZ) and household CCP, respectively. Multiple logistic and linear regression analyses were performed to determine the association between the desirability of HH CCP and stunting, and HH CCP score and HAZ, respectively.

Results: Six out of 10 beneficiaries had “desirable” CCP. Stunting was more likely observed among children whose households have undesirable CCP; who were enrolled in 4Ps at a younger age; had low birth weights; male; whose primary caregivers are less than 40 years old; whose maternal heights are less than 151 cm; whose primary caregivers had less than 7 years of education; and whose monthly household income is less than PhP 9,000. Undesirable CCP is associated with stunting, and the HH CCP score had a positive relationship with HAZ score among children.

Conclusion: Desirable CCP decrease the likelihood of stunting among children. Therefore, improving the childcare practices of beneficiaries could decrease the prevalence of childhood stunting.