Determinants of Undernutrition in Under-five Children: Evidence from the 2015 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey

Abstract

Health is essential to a successful and productive life at all stages. Early good child
health is also believed to shape the future productivity levels of every individual. Using
height-for-age z scores, this study used an ordered logistic regression model to estimate
the determinants of undernutrition in children under the age of five in Zimbabwe. Data
from the Zimbabwe Demographic and Health survey of 2015 was used. The study finds
that factors such as safe drinking water, improved toilet facility, tertiary-level maternal
education, longer birth interval, and clean cooking power: all contributing to a child
having good nutrition stock. More so, the study finds factors such as being a male child
and urban residence contributing to poor nutrition of children under the age of five.
Hence, the study advocates that improving water and toilet facilities, improving
maternal education, using birth control measures and using clean energy will go a long
way in improving the nutrition of children under the age five in Zimbabwe.