Influence of parental and socioeconomic factors on stunting in children under 5 years in Egypt

We assessed the relationship between parental and socioeconomic characteristics and nutritional status of children under 5 years in Egypt. Data from the 2000 Egypt Demographic and Health Survey were used. A logistic regression technique was used to estimate the odds of being malnourished. Children whose mothers had a higher level of education and were 150 cm had a lower risk of stunting than those of mothers with no education and shorter height ( 150 cm). Parental consanguinity, rural residence, high birth order and short birth interval significantly increased the odds of stunting. Children aged 12 months had greater odds of stunting than those 12 months.