JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Child growth failure (CGF), expressed as stunting, wasting, and underweight in children under five years, is the main manifestation of malnutrition.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to examine trends in stunting, wasting, and underweight among Children under five years in China, from 2000 to 2019, and predict the CGF by 2030.

Methods:

Using data from the local burden of disease, we examine trends in CGF among Children under five years in China, from 2000 to 2019, and predict the CGF by 2030.

Results:

In 2019, Prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight decreased to 12%, 3%, and 4%, by 37%, 25%, and 43 %, respectively. The prevalence of CGF decreased rapidly from 2000 to 2010, and the downward trend has slowed down after 2010. Most provinces had stagnated processes of trends after 2017. The age group with the highest stunting prevalence was children aged 1 to 4 years, with the highest prevalence of wasting and underweight was early neonatal infants. During 2000 to 2019, prevalence of CGF declined in all age groups of children. The largest relative decrease in stunting and underweight occurred in children aged 1 to 4 years, as well as in wasting occurred in early neonatal infants. Prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight in China was estimated to decrease to 11.4%, 3.2%, and 4.1% by 2030. China had nationally met the World Health Organization's Global Nutrition Targets for 2030 (WHO GNTs) for stunting, but not meet for wasting.

Conclusions:

This study provides prevalence and trends of CGF among children under five years and reports declines in CGF; there remain areas with slow progress in China. Most units had achieved the goal in stunting prevalence, but not in wasting prevalence. Early intervention and targeted strategies are crucial. Clinical Trial: Do not have a trial registration.