ReviewJournal of public health research2025
Exploring the multifactorial predictors of stunting in children under five: A systematic review of the literature, 2015-2024.
Review in Journal of public health research, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
2 citing papers in PubMed.
- Socio-Economic Inequalities of Childhood Stunting in Rwanda: Time Trend Analysis of Demographic and Health Surveys, 2000 to 2019.Journal of epidemiology and global health · 2026Article
- Predictors of impaired growth during the first year of life: findings from a longitudinal cohort study in Pakistan.Frontiers in nutrition · 2026Article
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
7 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
Background: Stunting is a global health challenge with high prevalence in Asia and Africa. Although many studies have discussed its determinants, fragmented evidence and regional differences still hinder the formulation of effective policies. Objective: This study aims to identify and map predictors of stunting in children under 5 years of age, focusing on socio-demographic, prenatal, natal, and postnatal factors, as well as distinguishing universal and contextual determinants across regions. Design and methods: This systematic review followed the PROSPERO protocol (CRD42025633321) and the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Literature searches were conducted in databases (Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, Taylor & Francis, and Emerald). Included articles were original English-language studies published between 2015 and 2024 that examined predictors of stunting in children aged 0-59 months. Methodological quality was assessed by two independent reviewers using the JBI Critical Appraisal Tools. Data were then extracted, narratively synthesized, and mapped according to UNICEF regional classifications. Results: Of the 5094 initial records, 92 studies met the inclusion criteria. Maternal education, socioeconomic status, sanitation, maternal age, maternal height, birth weight, and exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices emerged as the most consistent and universal predictors. Other factors were more contextual, depending on the region. Cross-regional analysis confirmed the existence of universal determinants as well as specific regional risk factors. Conclusion: Stunting is a multifactorial problem across life phases. Regional mapping enriches theoretical understanding and provides a scientific basis for context-based policies. These findings emphasize the need for multi-level interventions and cross-regional longitudinal research with uniform measurement standards.
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Registered trials
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