Stunting in adolescents aged 11-14 in the ethnic minority secondary school, in Van Chan district, Yen Bai province in 2017

Abstract

    To determine the prevalence of stunting among adolescents aged 11-14 in the ethnic minority secondary school of Van Chan district, Yen Bai province. Methods: A cross-sectional study was taken in October - December 2017 in 1,472 school children, to collect indicators of height. Standards for evaluating of stunting status followed the recommendations of WHO.

    Results: The stunting rate was 43.6% (rates of the severe stunting and moderate stunting were 13.8% and 29.8% respectively); Prevalence of stunting was varied with age groups, ranged from 43.6% to 46.4% in boys and from 39.2% to 46.6% in girls. The highest rates of stunting belonged to H'Mong ethnic group (71.2%) and Dao ethnic group (40.5%). There were no significant differences in stunting by age groups and sex (p> 0.05).

    Conclusion: Stunting is a public health problem that requires intervention to improve nutritional status and increase the stature of ethnic minority secondary school children.