The role of family structure on stunting (low height-for-age) in Argentinian preschool children aged 2-5

Resumen

The role of family structure on stunting (low height-for-age) in Argentinian preschool children aged 2-5This study assesses the relationship between family structure and stunting among children aged 2-5 in Argentina. Data for this study was drawn from the first wave of the Argentinian National Nutrition and Health Survey 2005 (N = 11 632). Results from logistic regression models show that, although socioeconomic variables have a significant effect on stunting, family structure also matters. The odds of stunting among children living in extended nuclear families are lower than those of children living in strictly nuclear ones. Furthermore, children from single parent households do not have higher odds of stunting than those from two-parent families. Our work highlights the importance of family structure for child nutrition.