Childhood Stunting: Prevalence and Associated Factors Among Orang Asli Communities in Malaysia

Indigenous populations face persistent health disparities, and the Orang Asli of Peninsular Malaysia are no exception, yet limited research examined malnutrition and stunting among this population. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with stunting among Orang Asli children under 5. This study performed secondary data analysis on 1955 children from the Orang Asli Health Survey (OAHS) conducted in 2022. Multivariable analysis was employed to identify associations between stunting and sociodemographic factors, household characteristics, child morbidities, vaccination status, and other nutritional indicators. The prevalence of stunting was 43.8%. Multivariable analysis revealed that Negrito tribe (adjusted odds ratios [AOR] = 2.62, 95% CI [1.25, 5.47]), low birth weight (LBW) (AOR = 2.09, 95% CI [1.46,2.99]), and being underweight (AOR = 8.47, 95% CI [5.90,12.17]) were significantly associated with stunting. The study underscores the need for targeted nutritional interventions, including improved maternal and early childhood nutrition. Active community involvement is essential to bridge the gap between these biological drivers and local sociocultural realities, ensuring interventions are culturally acceptable, sustainable, and address unique environmental barriers. Strengthening existing programs through community-led, culturally sensitive approaches is vital to effectively reduce the burden of chronic undernutrition in this vulnerable population.