The Effect of Improved Water, Sanitation and Hygiene on Linear Growth Amongst Children Living in Developing Countries: A Systematic Review

Constant exposure to poor water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH) contribute environmental enteric dysfunction; a disorder that is frequently implicated as cause of linear growth failure. We aimed evaluate the efficacy WaSH on amongst children aged 0-59 months. reviewed fourteen (14) studies retrieved from AMED, CINAHL, DOAJ, PubMed, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, EMBASE databases following guidelines developed by PROSPERO COCHRANE. The screening process was summarized using PRISMA flow diagram, methodologies were critically appraised Mixed Method Appraisal Tool. search terms employed in strategy: and/or improved water supply stunting dysfunction. No difference seen mean height for age Z-score (0.01, 95% CI-0.16 0.18) between who received interventions those did not. Only five (5) reported significant association child (P < 0.001). All combination intervention included this review not establish any benefit nutrition integration, presumably due methodological limitations short duration interventions. Although robust coverage could be an important component proven stimulate growth, stunted embedded within myriad determinants beyond WaSH. More research needed quantify complementary effect co-programming. This systematic registered database with registration number CRD42022322462.