Exploring the Association Between Household Toilet Facility Type and Chronic Malnutrition in Children Under 5 years in Ghana's Northern Zone.

Childhood stunting is a global public health concern that affects millions of children worldwide. This study assessed the association between household latrine access type and childhood stunting in the Bolgatanga Municipality of Northern Ghana. A cross-sectional study was carried out in health facilities in the study area. Data collection consisted of mother-child pairs with children aged 0 to 59 months. The outcome variable was stunting, while the main exposure variable was household sanitation facility type and other covariates. Bivariable and Multivariable analyses were used to determine factors associated with stunting. Key findings of the study included, 40.5% having access to improved toilet facilities, 16.4% using unimproved facilities, and 43.1% practicing open defecation. Prevalence of stunting was 28.5% (95% CI: 23.9-33.1). Children from households practicing open defecation had more than twice the odds of being stunted compared to those with access to improved sanitation (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.26; 95% CI: 1.21-4.02). Male sex, low birth weight, and lower maternal education also emerged as significant risk factors. Our findings highlight the need for integrated public health strategies that address poor sanitation, promote maternal education, and support the nutritional needs of vulnerable children to reduce stunting in similar settings.