Water quality and child undernutrition: evidence from 29 low- and middle-income countries

Objective: contamination of household water affects the probability of stunting and underweight in children younger than 5 years in 29 low- and middle-income countries and territories. Methods: contamination on the growth outcomes of stunting and underweight in children, and to explore the underlying mechanisms. We also conducted subgroup analyses to examine heterogeneous effects at both the macro- and microlevels. Findings: contamination might adversely affect child growth. Conclusion: contamination from household water sources to improve both child health and growth outcomes; changing behaviours related to open defecation remains a key strategy.