Stunting status and some related factors among girls from 11 - 13 years old in ethnic minority semi boarding secondary schools in Yen Bai province, 2018

Abstract

A cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of stunting and to describe some related factors among girls aged 11 - 13 years old in ethnic minority semi boarding secondary schools of Van Yen district and Van Tran district in Yen Bai province. Results showed that the average height was 141.2 ± 8.38 (cm), the average weight was 33.9 ± 7.14 (kg). 35.6% of the participants were stunted (severe 12.1%, medium 23.5%). There were signifcant differences in puberty status, maternal ethnicity, maternal occupation and the total number of children in the families (p < 0.05). Actively nutrition interventions should be implemented for this female group to compensate for the nutrition defciencies at a young age and present to develop well when they are adults.