Risk factors and spatial variation of stunting among under-fives in Bangladesh: Challenges to reach the sustainable development goal

Abstract

Using Bangladesh Demographic Health Survey (BDHS) 2011, in this study we explore the risk factors and spatial variation of childhood stunting in Bangladesh. Reduction of the prevalence of stunting in Bangladesh to 20% in the next decade requires major improvements of the spatially variant risk factors of stunting notably by strengthening parental education and household economic status and by reducing fertility.