Socioeconomic and demographic factors are associated with worldwide patterns of stunting and wasting of children.

We estimated the variability among nations in the prevalence of stunting and wasting, evaluated which national factors are associated with stunting and wasting and examined the relationship of stunting with wasting. The World Health Organization Global Database on Child Growth, a comprehensive conceptual model and a database of national factors were used with variance components and regression analyses. There was substantial variability among nations and among provinces within nations. Most national variability for stunting (76%) and wasting (66%) was explained by national factors and geographic region. Higher energy availability, female literacy and gross product were the most important factors associated with lower prevalence of stunting. The association of health expenditures and stunting differed by region. Higher immunization rate and, for Asia only, energy availability were the most important factors associated with lower prevalence of wasting. Regional differences in the relationship between stunting and wasting were accounted for by national factors. Some factors associated with stunting and wasting differ at the national level. Child malnutrition within a household is greatly influenced by issues at national and provincial levels, and intervention should be considered at all three levels.