Background: We aimed to identify the environmental risk factors of stunting and developmental issues in pediatric patients. Stunting can result from a variety of environmental variables, including infections and inadequate nutrition.
Method: This review was conducted and reported in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. To perform a comprehensive literature search, we used the online databases MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and EMBASE. Our search covered articles published between 2018 and 2023 that were written in English. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) as well as prospective and retroactive cohorts were considered. Stunting and environmental risk factors were used to guide our initial thorough search of the chosen databases.
Result: Ten studies total - nine RCTs and one cross-sectional cohort - were included in our review. There was one study carried out in 2018, three in 2019, two in 2020, two in 2021, and two in 2022. The studies used a variety of interventions, such as Water, sanitation, and hygiene, Integrated cost-effective home-based package, nutritional supplements, and the delivery of antibiotics, to address hygiene, infection, and nutritional problems.
Conclusion: The bulk of implemented interventions (nutritional supplementation, sanitation and hygiene programs, and anti microbial agents) have shown good results in reducing stunting and enhancing the growth and development of children.
Key words: stunting, Environmental, risk factors, sanitation, nutrition, infection, hygiene
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