Gender and Regional Disparities in Child Malnutrition in Vietnam: Evidence from National Data

Trinh Thi Thu Trang; Nguyen Van Quynh

Trinh Thi Thu Trang Faculty of Business Administration, Thai Nguyen University of Economic and Business Administration, Vietnam
Nguyen Van Quynh Faculty of Medicine, Dai Nam University, Hanoi, Vietnam

Keywords: Child malnutrition, Regional disparity, Stunting, Underweight, Wasting, Vietnam

Abstract

Child malnutrition remains a pressing public health concern in Vietnam, with notable disparities across genders and regions. This study aims to examine the trends and inequalities in malnutrition among children under five between 2017 and 2023. Using secondary data on three key malnutrition indicators—underweight, stunting, and wasting—this research applies descriptive analysis and multiple linear regression models to explore the effects of time, gender, and indicator type on malnutrition prevalence. The findings reveal a gradual decline in overall malnutrition rates over time; however, significant differences persist between male and female children, particularly in stunting and underweight rates. Regional disparities also contribute to the unequal distribution of malnutrition. Regression analysis confirms that indicator type has a statistically significant effect on malnutrition rates, while time and gender effects are less pronounced. These results highlight the need for more targeted, gender-sensitive, and region-specific nutrition interventions to promote equity in child health outcomes in Vietnam.

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