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Abstract
Background:
Global acute malnutrition is one of the major contributors to the death of young children. It accounts for about 35% to 55% of all childhood deaths in low- and middle-income countries. However, there have been limited studies examining the relationship between global acute malnutrition and women’s involvement in decision-making, and nutrition-related knowledge in the locality.
Patients and Methods:
A case–control study was conducted from March to April 2018. The sample size was determined using Epi Info statistical software, and a total of 234 children with their parents involved in the study. Childs’ height was measured using a stadiometer, and a digital weight scale was used to measure child weight. Weight-for-height Z-score (WHZ) was computed using the World Health Organization (WHO) Anthro Software. Women’s involvement in household decision-making was assessed using the household decision-making index. Socio-demographic and maternal nutrition-related knowledge were assessed using a structured questionnaire. Data entry and statistical analysis were done using EpiData 3.1 and Statistical Package for Social Science 24.0 (SPSS). Statistically, a significant association was declared by adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 95% confidence interval (CI), and P-value less than or equal to 0.05.
Results:
About three-fifths of mothers whose children were cases had poor nutrition-related knowledge regarding optimal child feeding. The study found poor maternal nutrition-related knowledge (AOR 5.16, 95% CI (1.9, 13.96)), not attending formal education (AOR 4.98, 95% CI (2.09, 11.82)), lack of maternal involvement in household decision-making (AOR 4.68, 95% CI (1.99, 10.97)), and lowest wealth index (AOR 3.76, 95% CI (1.24, 11.38)) as independent predictors.
Conclusion and Recommendation:
Maternal nutrition-related knowledge, maternal educational status, and involvement in household decision-making were found to be independent predictors of child global acute malnutrition. Emphasis needs to be given in strengthening girls’ education, nutrition education, household economic strengthening activities, and women empowerment in decision-making.
Abbreviations
AOR, adjusted odds ratio; CI, confidence interval; EDHS, Ethiopian Demographic Health Survey; GAM, global acute malnutrition; HAZ, height-for-age z-score; HC, health center; JMC, Jimma medical Center; LAMICs, low and middle income countries; SD, standard deviation; SGH, Shenan Gibe Hospital; SPSS, Statistical Package for Social Sciences; UNICEF, United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund; WB, World Bank; WHO, World Health Organization; WAZ, Weight-for-age z-score; WHZ, Weight-for-height z-score.
Data Sharing Statement
Data generated for this study are included in the article. The data set available upon request from the author in charge.
Ethics Approval and Consent to Participate
Ethical approval was obtained from the Institute of Ethical Review Board of Jimma University. Written informed consent was taken from the study participants, and parents provided written informed consent for their child participation. The study was conducted according to the Declaration of Helsinki.
Consent for Publication
Not applicable
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to acknowledge Jimma University, data collectors, supervisors, and study participants.
Author contributions
Authors made substantial contributions to conception and design, acquisition of data, or analysis and interpretation of data; took part in drafting the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.
Funding
Financial expense for data collection was covered by Jimma University and the authors did not receive any financial support for the publication of the article.
Disclosure
We approve that there is no conflict of interest.