International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

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Volume 8 Issue 5
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Prevalence and Socioeconomic and Demographic Correlates of Stunting among Children Under Five in Odisha, India: Evidence from NFHS-5

Author(s) Dr. Niranjan Rout
Country India
Abstract Abstract
Background: Stunting remains an important form of chronic undernutrition among children aged 0–59 months and is associated with adverse health and developmental outcomes. Although the prevalence of stunting in Odisha has declined substantially over successive rounds of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), it continues to affect a considerable proportion of children. This study examined the prevalence and socioeconomic and demographic correlates of stunting among children under five years of age in Odisha.
Methods: The study used unit-level data from the fifth round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), conducted during 2019–2021, to examine the socioeconomic and demographic correlates of stunting, while data from previous NFHS rounds were used to assess prevalence trends over time. The analysis included children aged 0–59 months in Odisha. Stunting was defined as height-for-age Z-score below −2 standard deviations and severe stunting as below −3 standard deviations according to the WHO Child Growth Standards. Bivariate analyses were used to estimate prevalence across population subgroups. Multivariable binary logistic regression was subsequently performed separately for stunting and severe stunting, with results presented as adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
Results: Overall, 31% of children were stunted and 11.40% were severely stunted (NFHS-5). Stunting prevalence was highest among children from the poorest households (43.20%), those whose mothers had no formal education (47.88%), children of underweight mothers (40.56%), and children of sixth or higher birth order (57.34%). In the adjusted analysis, household wealth showed a strong inverse gradient: children from the richest households had 66% lower odds of stunting than those from the poorest households (AOR=0.34; 95% CI: 0.24–0.49). Higher maternal education was also associated with lower odds of stunting (AOR=0.62; 95% CI: 0.46–0.83). Children aged 12–35 months had nearly twice the odds of stunting compared with those below six months (AOR=1.95; 95% CI: 1.62–2.34), while children of sixth or higher birth order had higher odds (AOR=1.87; 95% CI: 1.26–2.77). Maternal underweight was associated with higher odds of stunting (AOR=1.19; 95% CI: 1.06–1.34), whereas maternal overweight was associated with lower odds (AOR=0.70; 95% CI: 0.60–0.82).
Conclusion: Childhood stunting in Odisha remains substantial despite a sustained decline in prevalence over successive NFHS rounds. Household wealth and maternal education showed the most consistent associations with stunting, while child age, birth order and maternal nutritional status were also important correlates. Strengthening interventions addressing socioeconomic disadvantage, maternal education and nutrition, and vulnerable periods of child growth may contribute to further reductions in childhood stunting in Odisha.
Keywords Child stunting, Childhood undernutrition, Socioeconomic factors. Maternal education, Household wealth, Odisha.
Field Arts
Published In Volume 8, Issue 5, September-October 2026
Published On 2026-09-17
DOI https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i05.87961
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