Abstract
BACKGROUND: Altitude has not been a factor considered in stunting incidence. Several studies have found that higher elevations increase a child's risk of stunting. However, many cases of stunting also occur in lowland areas. Accurate evidence is needed to justify the influence of altitude on stunting incidence globally, so that policies and interventions can be more specific. PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate existing evidence regarding the effect of altitude on stunting cases in children 0-60 month. METHODS: This design was a meta-analysis. We search for relevant articles from 2014 to 2024 from Pubmed, Science Direct, Sage Journal, Scopus, and Oxford academic. Two independent reviewers extracted data from the selected studies, including baseline information, strategies, screening processes, inclusion and exclusion criteria, data extraction, study quality evaluation, and statistical analysis. The Joanna Briggs Institute conducted the critical appraisal. All data analyses were performed using RevMan 5.3 with multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The electronic search yielded a total of 805 articles, and 5 articles met the inclusion criteria for meta-analysis. Children living in highland areas have a 2.91 times higher risk of stunting compared to those living in lowland areas (OR = 2.91; 95 % CI: 2.44-3.48). Highland areas face challenges in limited access to health care, low education, less diverse food, and poverty. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides suggestions for increasing the number of health workers and health services, premarital education for childcare, and the provision of nutritional supplements for children.