Socioeconomic and Environmental Determinants of Child Growth: Evidence From the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey 2017–2018
American Journal of Human Biology
Published online on April 21, 2026
Abstract
["American Journal of Human Biology, Volume 38, Issue 4, April 2026. ", "\nThis study illustrates the influence of socioeconomic and environmental factors on child growth outcomes in Pakistan. Key determinants such as poverty, low maternal education, and wealth inequality, along with unsafe water and poor sanitation, significantly contribute to high rates of stunting (37%), underweight (23%), and wasting (8%) among children. The figure highlights integrated policy solutions, including poverty reduction, improvement in maternal education, and access to clean water and sanitation, as essential strategies to enhance child health and development outcomes.\n\nABSTRACT\n\nIntroduction\nChild growth is a critical indicator of population health and human development. In many low‐ and middle‐income countries, children continue to experience growth faltering due to socioeconomic inequalities and environmental constraints. This study examines the socioeconomic and environmental determinants of child growth outcomes in Pakistan using nationally representative data from the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey 2017–2018.\n\n\nMethods\nA quantitative cross‐sectional analysis was conducted on children aged 0–59 months with available anthropometric measurements. Child growth was assessed using height‐for‐age (stunting), weight‐for‐age (underweight), and weight‐for‐height (wasting) indicators based on standards of the World Health Organization. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression models were applied to identify significant determinants of growth outcomes.\n\n\nResults\nThe results indicate that approximately 37%–40% of children in Pakistan suffer from stunting, while about 23% are underweight and 8% experience wasting. Household wealth, maternal education, sanitation facilities, and access to safe drinking water significantly influence child growth outcomes. Children from poorer households and those whose mothers have no formal education are more likely to experience growth deficiencies. Environmental conditions such as unimproved sanitation and lack of safe water also increase the likelihood of undernutrition.\n\n\nConclusion\nThe findings highlight the importance of addressing socioeconomic inequalities and environmental health conditions to improve child growth outcomes in Pakistan. Policy interventions aimed at poverty reduction, maternal education, and improved water and sanitation infrastructure may significantly contribute to better child health and development.\n\n"]