Understanding stunting in Peruvian children: A multilevel analysis.

This thesis applies the Chronic Undernutrition Framework by Tufts University (2001) in order to analyze the determinants of chronic malnutrition, or more specifically stunting, in Peru. Using cross-sectional data for children aged 6-59 months old taken from the Peruvian Demographic and Health Survey for 2009-2012, I apply a multilevel analysis approach to test the effect of individual, household and community factors for stunting in two groups of children from ages 06 to 24 months and 25 to 59 months old. The findings of this study are consistent with the literature, and support the multisectorial approach to decrease stunting. The results indicate considerable effects at each level (individual, household and community). Significant determinants at the individual level are age (for children 6-24 months old), gender, low birth weight and diarrheal disease. At the household level, wealth and mother's education are clearly associated with child growth. Access to healthcare services and antenatal care and living in mountains areas are significant factors at the community or environmental level. Also, the Articulated Nutrition Program implemented by the Peruvian government since 2008 appears to have favourable impact on children between the ages of 25 and 59 months old. --Leaf 2.