Abstract
Background
Linear growth faltering remains 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
We used a multi-stage cluster sampling procedure. A structured questionnaire helped to collect data from 807 mother-child dyads selected. 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 (HHDM), number of ANC visits, use of family planning method, family planning types, and mode of delivery. The potential confounding variables were child age, parents working, good handwashing practice, owning a vegetable garden, and the total number of livestock. We used univariate analysis to establish means, frequencies, and percentages. Additionally, we used the Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, and Spearman Rank Correlation tests 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 to promote child growth in the Rwandan community.