Socio-economic and demographic determinants of undernutrition among 6-59 months old children living in Malawian stunting hotspots: A cross-sectional community study

Background Globally, malnutrition is prevalent, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where 171 million under-five children suffer from stunting, and 45% of mortalities are reported. This study aimed to identify socio-economic and demographic factors contributing to undernutrition among 6–59 months old children in Malawian stunting hotspots. Methods Stata 17.0 was used to analyse descriptive statistics and logistic regression for nutritional status associations, using WHO Z-Scores and 95% confidence. This cross-sectional community study was conducted in Mzimba, Mchinji and Mangochi and involved 1,275 caregivers and children. Results The results in the study revealed that 6–59 months old children had varying risks of wasting and stunting. Caregivers who engaged in farming, business, or unemployed had lower risk of being wasted, whereas unemployed and student caregivers had higher odds of stunting (OR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.14–2.36, p = 0.008) and underweight (OR = 3.66, 95% CI: 1.52–8.80, p = 0.004). Caregivers who had attained junior education level had increased odds of having wasted and underweight children, while those who attained junior and senior secondary education showed reduced risks. Low household income (below 50,000MK per month) increase the risk wasting (OR = 8.35, 95% CI: 5.09–13.68, p = 0.000), while those with higher incomes had a decreased risk. Christian caregivers had lower odds of having a wasted child while muslim caregivers had higher odds (OR = 8.35, 95% CI: 5.09–13.68, p = 0.000). Households with less than five members had reduced underweight odds, in contrast to those with more than five members who had increased odds. Conclusion Caregivers in farming, business, and with higher education have lower risks of child wasting and stunting. Unemployed, less educated, and low-income or larger households face higher risks.