The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #70778

Carrie K. Shapiro-Mendoza, MPH¹, Beatrice J. Selwyn, ScD², David P. Smith, PHD³, and Maureen Sanderson, PhD, MPH². (1) Epidemiology, University of Texas School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center, School of Public Health, 1200 Herman Pressler, RAS E-625, Houston, TX 77030, 713 500 9271, sancar@ev1.net, (2) Epidemiology, The University of Texas Health Science Center Houston, School of Public Health, 1200 Hermann Pressler, RAS E619, Houston, TX 77030, (3) University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health, 1200 Herman Pressler, RAS E-703, Houston, TX 77030

Objectives and Methods: : A cross-sectional study examined the impact of joint maternal and paternal pregnancy intention status on the prevalence of stunting using data from the 1998 Bolivia Demographic and Health Survey. The sample design used a stratified, multistage cluster sample. For analysis, the sample (n = 793) was restricted to last-born, singleton birth children (younger than 36 months) with anthropometric measurements whose parents answered questions about pregnancy intention status.

Results: The category of those at risk encompasses 54% of singleton births in the study sample, with approximately 22% of these children stunted as compared to 19% among intended children. Fathers reported unwanted (37% vs. 29%)and mistimed (26% vs. 19%) pregnancies more often than mothers. In multivariable logistic regression, children less than 24 months whose both parents reported them as unintended at conception (PR 1.53, 95% CI 0.92, 2.56) had a 50% increased risk of being stunted compared to children from intended pregnancies. Children 24-35 months had a two-fold increased risk for stunting (PR 2.42, 95% CI 0.99, 5.92). Adjustments were made for maternal education, parity,maternal age, urban versus rural residence, and type of toilet facility. No association was found for either age group if it was reported intended by only one parent.

Conclusions: It is desirable to provide effective and accessible family planning to women and men in Bolivia. In addition, children born to parents reporting unintended pregnancies should be monitored for growth stunting and interventions should be in place to correct stunting.

Learning Objectives:

Following the presentation, participant will be able to: (1) State the prevalence of early childhood stunting among children in Bolivia. (2) State the proportion of mothers and fathers reporting that their last born child was unwanted or mistimed at the time of conception. (
• Identify the combined effects of maternal and paternal pregnancy unintention as a risk factor for child stunting in Bolivia.

Keywords: Child Health, International Reproductive Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.