PERTANIKA JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES

Linear growth faltering is a chronic form of malnutrition which is more serious in children due to its irreversible nature. The aim of this study is to investigate socioeconomic and demographic determinants of linear growth among children under the age of five in Nepal. The 2011 data were obtained from the Nepal Demographic Health Survey (NDHS). The linear growth (Height for Age Z score) of 2,330 children was examined. Multiple linear regressions were used to determine associated factors of linear growth. Results indicated that the children's linear growth was affected negatively due to various contextual factors including varied socioeconomic status, the mother's educational attainment and height, geographical region and place of residence. The poorest households, older children, mother's illiteracy and living in a rural area were found to be negatively associated with linear growth.