Childhood Malnutrition and its Predictors: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study on Stunting and Wasting in Under-Five Children Along the Myanmar-China Border.

BACKGROUND: In Myanmar, malnutrition is particularly severe in underserved areas such as the Myanmar-China border, where data are scarce. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2024 to March 2025 in selected townships of Kachin State among children aged 6-59 months. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify associated factors under p < .05. RESULTS: Of the total 518 respondents, stunting was observed in 26.25% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 22.64-30.23) and wasting in 20.66% (95% CI: 17.38-24.37). Stunting was associated with high birth order (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.07; 95% CI: 1.15-3.71), inadequate antenatal care (AOR: 2.53; 95% CI: 1.37-4.69), and unsafe wastewater disposal (AOR: 1.67; 95% CI: 1.08-2.61). Similarly, wasting was associated to low birth order (AOR: 2.77; 95% CI: 1.02-7.52), early complementary feeding (AOR: 3.36; 95% CI: 1.64-6.88), and improper garbage disposal practices (AOR: 3.26; 95% CI: 2.02-5.27). CONCLUSION: Stunting and wasting are influenced by demographic, maternal, environmental, and feeding factors. Targeted interventions are essential.