EVALUATION OF THE ASSOCIATION OF MATERNAL DIET WITH STUNTING IN AN URBAN POPULATION OF FAISALABAD, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Background: Stunting is a form of impaired growth and development that affects around 12 million children in Pakistan, primarily due to poor fetal and maternal nutrition. As stunting is largely irreversible, antenatal care and maternal diet are critical intervention points. Reducing stunting is a key Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) to be achieved by 2030.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Faisalabad city to assess the association between maternal diet and stunting. A total of 401 women with children under 36 months were randomly selected. Data were collected through a structured survey on maternal demographics, anthropometric measurements, and dietary practices. Relevant statistical techniques were applied to analyze relationships between maternal diet and child height-for-age Z-scores.

Results: Maternal nutrition was strongly associated with childhood stunting. Consumption of chapati/bread, cooked cereals, legumes, beef, beans, eggs, cheese, tomatoes, mangoes, potatoes, avocados, and tea showed significant correlations with height-for-age Z-scores. Diet quality during pregnancy was directly linked to children’s linear growth. Poor maternal nutrition increased the risk of growth failure, while diverse food intake contributed to better child nutritional outcomes. Findings confirm that children’s stunting is interrelated with maternal dietary patterns during pregnancy, and the consequences may be irreversible.

Conclusion: Maternal diet plays a decisive role in preventing stunting. Promoting balanced nutrition during pregnancy is essential for safeguarding child growth and achieving national SDG targets.