Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health

Original Articles

Prediction of Stunting Among Under-5 Children in Rwanda Using Machine Learning Techniques: Similien Ndagijimana, Ignace Habimana Kabano, Emmanuel Masabo, Jean Marie Ntaganda; J Prev Med Public Health. 2023;56(1):41-49. Published online January 6, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.22.388

13,088 View
610 Download
21 Web of Science
25 Crossref

Objectives
Rwanda reported a stunting rate of 33% in 2020, decreasing from 38% in 2015; however, stunting remains an issue. Globally, child deaths from malnutrition stand at 45%. The best options for the early detection and treatment of stunting should be made a community policy priority, and health services remain an issue. Hence, this research aimed to develop a model for predicting stunting in Rwandan children.
Methods
The Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey 2019-2020 was used as secondary data. Stratified 10-fold cross-validation was used, and different machine learning classifiers were trained to predict stunting status. The prediction models were compared using different metrics, and the best model was chosen.
Results
The best model was developed with the gradient boosting classifier algorithm, with a training accuracy of 80.49% based on the performance indicators of several models. Based on a confusion matrix, the test accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and F1 were calculated, yielding the model’s ability to classify stunting cases correctly at 79.33%, identify stunted children accurately at 72.51%, and categorize non-stunted children correctly at 94.49%, with an area under the curve of 0.89. The model found that the mother’s height, television, the child’s age, province, mother’s education, birth weight, and childbirth size were the most important predictors of stunting status.
Conclusions
Therefore, machine-learning techniques may be used in Rwanda to construct an accurate model that can detect the early stages of stunting and offer the best predictive attributes to help prevent and control stunting in under five Rwandan children.

Summary

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Machine learning techniques to model child low height-for-age in the Northern Province of Rwanda: The role of climatological and environmental factors and their interactions
A. Ndagijimana, G. Nduwayezu, T. Lind, A. Mansourian
Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health.2026; 37: 102284. CrossRef
Predicting severe stunting and its determinants among under-five in Eastern African Countries: A machine learning algorithms
Halid Worku Jemil, Sonia Worku Semayneh, Altaseb Beyene Kassaw, Kassahun Dessie Gashu, Olutosin Ademola Otekunrin
PLOS One.2026; 21(1): e0340221. CrossRef
Systems biology insights into the molecular drivers of childhood stunting and implications for intervention
Genevieve Dable-Tupas, Ariane Blanch A. Maraon, Lorraine Joy L. Bernolo, Nelly Grace F. Toñacao, April Dawn M. Taylaran, Maria Angelica C. Plata, Jason C. Alcano, Richelle D. Björvang, Shamsul Mohd Zain, Vladimer Kobayashi, Melkamu Berhane Arefayine, Alem
Frontiers in Nutrition.2026;[Epub] CrossRef
The effect of Ogapudake digital education on mothers knowledge of stunting prevention
Rotua Suriany Simamora, Yonathan Tri Atmodjo Reubun, Lina Indrawati, Tri Dharma Putra, Feronika Evma Rahayu, Rahmalia Putri Khayla, Muhammad Lutfi Fajri Agustian, Aliyah Zahra
Multidisciplinary Reviews.2026; 9(9): 2026429. CrossRef
Prediction of stunting and its socioeconomic determinants among adolescent girls in Ethiopia using machine learning algorithms
Alemu Birara Zemariam, Biruk Beletew Abate, Addis Wondmagegn Alamaw, Eyob shitie Lake, Gizachew Yilak, Mulat Ayele, Befkad Derese Tilahun, Habtamu Setegn Ngusie, Oluwafemi Samson Balogun
PLOS ONE.2025; 20(1): e0316452. CrossRef
Predicting stunting status among under-5 children in Rwanda using neural network model: Evidence from 2020 Rwanda demographic and health survey
Similien Ndagijimana, Ignace Kabano, Emmanuel Masabo, Jean Marie Ntaganda
F1000Research.2025; 13: 128. CrossRef
A deep learning approach for classifying and predicting children's nutritional status in Ethiopia using LSTM-FC neural networks
Getnet Bogale Begashaw, Temesgen Zewotir, Haile Mekonnen Fenta
BioData Mining.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Social and economic predictors of under-five stunting in Mexico: a comprehensive approach through the XGB model
Brian Fogarty, Angélica García-Martínez, Nitesh V Chawla, Edson Serván-Mori
Journal of Global Health.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Identification of amendable risk factors for childhood stunting at individual, household and community levels in Northern Province, Rwanda – a cross-sectional population-based study
Albert Ndagijimana, Kristina Elfving, Aline Umubyeyi, Torbjörn Lind
BMC Public Health.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Machine Learning in Predicting Child Malnutrition: A Meta-Analysis of Demographic and Health Surveys Data
Bhagyajyothi Rao, Muhammad Rashid, Md Gulzarull Hasan, Girish Thunga
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2025; 22(3): 449. CrossRef
Prevalence and associated risk factors of stunting too early: analysis of the 2020 Rwanda demographic and health survey
Raphael Ndahimana, Melissa Uwase, Roger Muragire, Alliance Uwase, Edith Uwamahoro, Bwiza Flavia, Elysee Niyonganyira, Ayinkamiye Esperance, Divine Umutesi Rusa, Marie Josée Mwiseneza, Absolomon Gashaija, Godfrey Ngabonziza, Japhet Ishimwe, Binayisa Gad, C
BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health.2025; 8(1): 240. CrossRef
Forecasting acute childhood malnutrition in Kenya using machine learning and diverse sets of indicators
Girmaw Abebe Tadesse, Laura Ferguson, Caleb Robinson, Shiphrah Kuria, Herbert Wanyonyi, Samuel Murage, Samuel Mburu, Rahul Dodhia, Juan M. Lavista Ferres, Bistra Dilkina, Yitagesu Habtu Aweke
PLOS One.2025; 20(5): e0322959. CrossRef
The accuracy of a novel stunting risk detection application based on nutrition and sanitation indicators in children aged under five years
Tria Astika Endah Permatasari, Yudi Chadirin, Ernirita Ernirita, Anisa Nurul Syafitri, Devina Alifia Fadhilah
BMC Nutrition.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Effect of single-parent versus dual-parent households on dietary intake and growth among under-five children in Rwanda: an analysis using directed acyclic graph
Joyeuse Ukwishaka, Sekou Samadoulougou, Vincent Sezibera, Fati Kirakoya-Samadoulougou, Geneviève Lefebvre
BMC Nutrition.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Supervised machine learning for classification and prediction of stunting among under-five Egyptian children
Abdelaziz Hendy, Rasha Kadri Ibrahim, Sally Mohammed Farghaly Abdelaliem, Ahmed Zaher, Sameer A. Alkubati, Rabab Gad Abd El-kader, Ahmed Hendy
BMC Pediatrics.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
RISE: a novel unified framework for feature relevance in malnutrition analytics integrating statistical and expert insights
S. Shruthi, Priya Govindarajan, S. R. Shalini, Pavan John Antony, A. N. Uma, Lalith Rangarajan
Frontiers in Public Health.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Development and Validation of a Predictive Model for Individual Risk Prediction of Stunting in Ethiopia: A Predictive Modeling Study
Ahmed Fentaw Ahmed, Tewodros Yosef, Cherugeta Kebede Asfaw, Eyob Girum Weldeyes, Eskindir Melese Cherinet, Mohamed Abdu Oumer, Filimon Getaneh Assefa, Tinsae Tesfaw Tadege, Biniyam Mequanent Sileshi, Eyob Getaneh Yimer, Fuad Seid Ebrahim, Bemnet Yazew Abe
Health Science Reports.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Data science and artificial intelligence for maternal, newborn and child health: scoping review and thematic analysis
Joseph Akuze, Grieven P. Otieno, Samson Yohannes Amare, Bancy Ngatia, Phillip Wanduru, Fati Kirakoya-Samadoulougou, Rornald Muhumuza Kananura, Agbessi Amouzou, Abiy Seifu Estifanos, Eric O. Ohuma
BMC Public Health.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Exploring the multifactorial predictors of stunting in children under five: A systematic review of the literature, 2015–2024
Heti Ira Ayue, Nurdiana Nurdiana, Viera Wardhani, Ani Budi Astuti, Heri Prayitno, Agung Dwi Laksono, Tonny Sundjaya
Journal of Public Health Research.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Predicting stunting in Rwanda using artificial neural networks: a demographic health survey 2020 analysis
Similien Ndagijimana, Ignace Kabano, Emmanuel Masabo, Jean Marie Ntaganda
F1000Research.2024; 13: 128. CrossRef
Development of a diagnostic predictive model for determining child stunting in Malawi: a comparative analysis of variable selection approaches
Jonathan Mkungudza, Halima S. Twabi, Samuel O. M. Manda
BMC Medical Research Methodology.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Predicting harmful alcohol use prevalence in Sub-Saharan Africa between 2015 and 2019: Evidence from population-based HIV impact assessment
Mtumbi Goma, Wingston Felix Ng’ambi, Cosmas Zyambo, Yimam Getaneh Misganie
PLOS ONE.2024; 19(10): e0301735. CrossRef
Hybrid Machine Learning for Stunting Prevalence: A Novel Comprehensive Approach to Its Classification, Prediction, and Clustering Optimization in Aceh, Indonesia
Novia Hasdyna, Rozzi Kesuma Dinata, Rahmi, T. Irfan Fajri
Informatics.2024; 11(4): 89. CrossRef
Türkiye'de E-Ticaretin Kullanılma Durumunun Makine Öğrenmesi İle Sınıflandırılması ve Çeşitli Değişkenlerle İlişkilerinin Analizi
Yunus Emre Gür, Kamil Abdullah Eşidir, Cem Ayden
Karadeniz Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi.2024; 16(31): 582. CrossRef
Child stunting prevalence determination at sector level in Rwanda using small area estimation
Innocent Ngaruye, Joseph Nzabanita, François Niragire, Theogene Rizinde, Joseph Nkurunziza, Jean Bosco Ndikubwimana, Charles Ruranga, Ignace Kabano, Dieudonne N. Muhoza, Jeanine Ahishakiye
BMC Nutrition.2023;[Epub] CrossRef

The Effect of the Physical Factors of Parents and Children on Stunting at Birth Among Newborns in Indonesia: Kencana Sari, Ratu Ayu Dewi Sartika; J Prev Med Public Health. 2021;54(5):309-316. Published online August 29, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.21.120

14,918 View
681 Download
17 Web of Science
28 Crossref

Abstract PDF

Objectives
This study examined stunting at birth and its associations with physical factors of parents and children in Indonesia.
Methods
This study analyzed secondary data from the national cross-sectional Indonesian Basic Health Survey 2018, conducted across 34 provinces and 514 districts/cities. Birth length data were available for 756 newborns. Univariable, bivariable, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to determine associations between the physical factors of parents and children and stunting at birth.
Results
In total, 10.2% of children aged 0 months were stunted at birth (10.7% of males and 9.5% of females). Stunting at birth was associated with the mother’s age at first pregnancy, parity, parents’ heights, parents’ ages, and gestational age. Children from mothers with short statures (height <145.0 cm) and fathers with short statures (height <161.9 cm) had an almost 6 times higher likelihood of being stunted at birth (adjusted odds ratio, 5.93; 95% confidence interval, 5.53 to 6.36). A higher maternal age at first pregnancy had a protective effect against stunting. However, other variables (firstborn child, preterm birth, and both parents’ ages being <20 or >35 years) corresponded to a 2-fold higher likelihood of stunting at birth compared to the reference.
Conclusions
These findings provide evidence that interventions to reduce stunting aimed at pregnant females should also consider the parents’ stature, age, and parity, particularly if it is the first pregnancy and if the parents are short in stature or young. Robust programs to support pregnant females and monitor children’s heights from birth will help prevent intergenerational stunting.

Summary

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Dinamika Faktor Risiko Maternal dan Disparitas Wilayah terhadap Kejadian Stunting: Analisis Evidence-Based Data SSGI 2024
Ummi Khairun Niswah, Sevrima Anggraini
PubHealth Jurnal Kesehatan Masyarakat.2026; 4(3): 325. CrossRef
Effects of a liquefied petroleum gas stove and fuel intervention on head circumference and length at birth: A multi-country household air pollution intervention network (HAPIN) trial
Hina Raheel, Sheela Sinharoy, Anaité Diaz-Artiga, Sarada S. Garg, Ajay Pillarisetti, Kalpana Balakrishnan, Marilu Chiang, Amy Lovvorn, Miles Kirby, Usha Ramakrishnan, Shirin Jabbarzadeh, Alexie Mukeshimana, Michael Johnson, John P. McCracken, Luke P. Naeh
Environment International.2025; 195: 109211. CrossRef
Current trends in household food insecurity, dietary diversity, and stunting among children under five in Asia: a systematic review
Binish Islam, Tasiu Ibrahim Ibrahim, Tingting Wang, Mingyang Wu, Jiabi Qin
Journal of Global Health.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Exploring local experiences in reducing childhood stunting in Indonesia: towards an agenda of welfare provision
Pajar Hatma Indra Jaya, Ahmad Izudin, Rahadiyand Aditya, Saptoni Saptoni
Asia Pacific Journal of Social Work and Development.2025; : 1. CrossRef
Evaluating the knowledge, roles, and skills of health cadres in stunting prevention: A mixed-method study in Indonesia
Restuning Widiasih, Deni Kurniadi Sunjaya, Laili Rahayuwati, Binahayati Rusyidi, Ermiati, Citra Windani Mambang Sari, Mardani, Rusdi, Serene En Hui Tung
Belitung Nursing Journal.2025; 11(3): 330. CrossRef
HUBUNGAN RIWAYAT KESEHATAN IBU SELAMA MASA KEHAMILAN DAN SANITASI LINGKUNGAN DENGAN KEJADIAN STUNTING PADA BADUTA : LITERATURE REVIEW
Nurul Amalia Fardiani, Ani Margawati, Ahmad Syauqy
Journal of Nutrition College.2025; 14(3): 267. CrossRef
Risk factors for preterm birth and its effect on neonatal mortality in India: evidence from the National Health Family Survey-5
Priyanka Dixit, Mrigesh Bhatia, Charusheela Bhatia, Laxmi Kant Dwivedi, Saurabh Singh
Discover Public Health.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Pengaruh Lembar Balik Pencegahan Stunting terhadap Pengetahuan dan Sikap Ibu Bayi 0-6 Bulan: Penelitian Kuasi Eksperimen
Yuliantisari Retnaningsih, NurDjanah NurDjanah, Kurnia Dwianugerah, Farhan Achmad Rasyid
Health Information : Jurnal Penelitian.2025; 17(2): 220. CrossRef
Status Gizi Ibu Hamil sebagai Prediktor Kejadian Stunting pada Anak Usia 24–59 Bulan di Kecamatan Padangsidimpuan Selatan
Nikmah Kemalasari Pane, Ulfah Hidayah Almadany, Edy Sujoko
PubHealth Jurnal Kesehatan Masyarakat.2025; 4(1): 46. CrossRef
Newborn Nutritional Status at Birth and Its Association With Maternal Dietary Practices During Pregnancy in Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia: A Path Analysis
Teshale Fikadu, Dessalegn Tamiru, Beyene Wondafrash Ademe
Food Science & Nutrition.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Prevalence of growth retardation among children and adolescents in China: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Wei Wang, Zhanpeng Qiu, Fang Wang, Dongsheng Qiu, Guoping Ye
Frontiers in Pediatrics.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Determinants Associated With Stunting Among Children Under Two Years Old In Asia: A Scoping Review
Marhazlina Mohamad, Nurul Fatini Mohd Salihim, Mohd Razif Shahril
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences.2025; 21(4): 322. CrossRef
How do household living conditions and gender-related decision-making influence child stunting in Rwanda? A population-based study
Jean Nepo Utumatwishima, Ingrid Mogren, Aline Umubyeyi, Ali Mansourian, Gunilla Krantz, Olutosin Ademola Otekunrin
PLOS ONE.2024; 19(3): e0290919. CrossRef
Understanding Pediatric Health Trends in Papua: Insights From SUSENAS, RISKESDAS, Remote Sensing, and Its Relevance to Prabowo and Gibran’s Free Lunch and Milk Program
Rezzy Eko Caraka, Khairunnisa Supardi, Puspita Anggraini Kaban, Robert Kurniawan, Prana Ugiana Gio, Yunho Kim, Syihabuddin Ahmad Mufti, Rung-Ching Chen, Muhammad Khahfi Zuhanda, Avia Enggar Tyasti, Noor Ell Goldameir, Bens Pardamean
IEEE Access.2024; 12: 51536. CrossRef
Stunting predictors among children aged 0-24 months in Southeast Asia: a scoping review
Via Eliadora Togatorop, Laili Rahayuwati, Raini Diah Susanti, Julianus Yudhistira Tan
Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Children’s sex composition and modern contraceptive use among mothers in Bangladesh
Md. Nuruzzaman Khan, Shimlin Jahan Khanam, Md Arif Billah, Md Mostaured Ali Khan, M Mofizul Islam, José Antonio Ortega
PLOS ONE.2024; 19(5): e0297658. CrossRef
Peran Ayah terhadap Kejadian Stunting pada Balita di Perdesaan
Elya Sugianti, Berliana Devianti Putri, Annas Buanasita
Amerta Nutrition.2024; 8(2): 214. CrossRef
Risk factors associated with stunting incidence in under five children in Southeast Asia: a scoping review
Devi Azriani, Masita, Nabila Salma Qinthara, Intan Nurma Yulita, Dwi Agustian, Yenni Zuhairini, Meita Dhamayanti
Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Factors influencing concurrent wasting, stunting, and underweight among children under five who suffered from severe acute malnutrition in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review
Godana Arero Dassie, Tesfaye Chala Fantaye, Tesfaye Getachew Charkos, Midhakso Sento Erba, Fufa Balcha Tolosa
Frontiers in Nutrition.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Stunting at birth: linear growth failure at an early age among newborns in Hawassa city public health hospitals, Sidama region, Ethiopia: a facility-based cross-sectional study
Haileyesus Ejigu, Zelalem Tafese
Journal of Nutritional Science.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
Socio-economic and agricultural factors associated with stunting of under 5-year children: findings from surveys in mountains, dry zone and delta regions of rural Myanmar (2016–2017)
Min Kyaw Htet, Tran Thanh Do, Thet Wah, Thant Zin, Myat Pan Hmone, Shahreen Raihana, Elizabeth Kirkwood, Lwin Mar Hlaing, Michael J Dibley
Public Health Nutrition.2023; 26(8): 1644. CrossRef
Predictor of Stunting Among Children 0-24 Months Old in Indonesia: A Scoping Review
Via Eliadora Togatorop, Laili Rahayuwati, Raini Diah Susanti
Jurnal Obsesi : Jurnal Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini.2023; 7(5): 5654. CrossRef
SOCIALIZING ADOLESCENT REPORDUCTIVE HEALTH: EFFORTS TO PREVENT EARLY MARRIAGE AND REDUCE UNINTENDED PREGNANCIES AMONG ADOLESCENTS
Ilham Rahmanto, Husnul Khatimah, Laila Hidayah Santoso, Nabilah Apsari Devitri, Airinda Gustika Ningrum, Allfatiana Suci Andriani, Arbiyan Syayid Nurdin, Enina Patricia, Hanif Nur Setyawan, Syahrani Meutia Tifanny
Jurnal Layanan Masyarakat (Journal of Public Services).2023; 7(3): 375. CrossRef
EARLY DETECTION FOR CHILD GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT IN POSYANDU DADAPKUNING VILLAGE, CERME-GRESIK SUB-DISTRICT
Mira Triharini, Monica Octa Alfiana, Naurah Syafiqah Larasati , Sharfina Az-Zahrin Hakim , Puti Hanalya Rengganis
Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Dalam Kesehatan.2023; 5(2): 53. CrossRef
Faktor Determinan Panjang Badan Bayi Lahir Pendek sebagai Faktor Risiko Stunting di Jawa Barat
Judiono Judiono, Witri Priawantiputri, Noormarina Indraswari, Mutiara Widawati, Mara Ipa, Ginna Megawati, Heni Prasetyowati, Dewi Marhaeni
Amerta Nutrition.2023; 7(2): 240. CrossRef
Risk Factors Related to Stunting
Tri Anugrah Oktaviani, Linda Suwarni, Selviana Selviana
JURNAL INFO KESEHATAN.2023; 21(4): 854. CrossRef
Determinants of Incident Stunting in Elementary School Children in Endemic Area Iodine Deficiency Disorders Enrekang Regency
Nur Abri, Saifuddin Sirajuddin, Burhanuddin Bahar, Nurhaedar Jafar, Syamsiar S. Russeng, Zakaria Zakaria, Veni Hadju, Abdul Salam, Abdul Razak Thaha
Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences.2022; 10(E): 161. CrossRef
Faktor Berkaitan dengan Stunting dan Wasting pada Pasien Onkologi Anak
Maya Utami Widhianti, Listiyani Eka Tyastuti, Meika Rahmawati Arifah, Karima Rizqi Alviani, Hagnyonowati
Amerta Nutrition.2022; 6(1SP): 133. CrossRef

First
Prev
Page of 1
Next
Last

Search