Abstract

Objectives: To assess the nutritional status of children under 2 years old, to study some factors related to stunting of children under 2 years old in Lap Thach - Vinh Phuc province.

Method: A cross sectional study, conducted in 403 children and their mothers.

Results: The prevalence of underweight, stunting and wasting was 12.7%, 23.8% and 6.0%. The rates increased by age group with the highest among 18-23 month group. For IYCF( Infant and Young Child Feeding) practices: exclusive breastfeeding was 38% for 6 months, early initiation of breastfeeding rate was 58.2%, 42.7% of children were complementary feeding for 6-8 months and minimum meal frequency rate was 62.8%. Factors related of stunting: The mother use iron every day during pregnancy and breastfeeding; number of children under age 5 of mothers; exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months, time of initiation of complementary feeding, variety of foods in a child’s meal, minimum diet diversification. The condition of mothers feeding baby porridge was purchased at the “nutrition porridge”, illness in the first 6 months.

Conclusion: Stunting is still high; Factors related of stunting of children were: take care the health of mothers during pregnancy and lactation. Breastfeeding and complementary feeding.