Level of Undernutrition and Its Determinants Among Children Aged 12–59 Months in Wolaita District, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background

Undernutrition remains one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality among children throughout the world particularly in developing countries. The present study aimed to assess the magnitude and associated factors of undernutrition among children aged 12–59 months.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Wolaita district from May to June 2015. Multi-stage stratified systematic random sampling procedure was used. Data were collected using a pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire from 626 children aged 12–59 months. Height and weight were measured by trained data collectors and WHO Anthro version 3.2.2 software was used. Data were entered into Epi Info version 3.3.5 and were exported and analyzed using SPSS version 21. Multivariable logistic regression model with a step-wise method was used to determine the predictors of undernutrition.

Results

One third (34.1%; 95% CI 30.4–37.9%) of children were stunted while 6.9% and 11.9% of them were wasted and underweight, respectively, based on WHO Z score <-2. Children live in mother-headed households which often use unprotected sources of water and children who did not get minimum dietary diversity were more likely to be stunted compared to their counterparts. Children residing in rural residences, being a male child, having less power for mother decision-making, presence of diarrhea in the last 2 weeks of the survey and who did not get the minimum dietary diversity were found to be significant determinants of underweight. Children living rural, male sex, their order of birth being 5th and above and who had not got the minimum meal frequency were more likely to be wasted than their counterparts.

Conclusion and Recommendation

Undernutrition has a high prevalence in under-5-year-old children of Wolaita district. Under nutrition was associated with female-headed households, unprotected sources of water, below the minimum dietary diversity, rural residence, participation of mother in decision-making, presence of diarrhea, and minimum meal frequency. Thus, nutritional intervention programs in Wolaita district in Ethiopia should focus on these factors.

Keywords:

• stunted
• underweight
• wasted
• children
• undernutrition
• Ethiopia

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge Wolaita Sodo University for providing materials used for the work. Our deepest gratitude goes to data collectors, kebeles leaders and Wolaita Sodo health center manager for his cooperation starting from the beginning till the end of data collection time. Finally, our heartfelt thanks go to the respondents and Mr Temesgen Bati.

Abbreviations

AOR, adjusted odds ratio; CI, confidence interval; COR, crude odds ratio; EDHS, Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey; FANTA, Food and Nutrition Technical Assistance Project; IYCF, infant and young child feeding; SNNPR, Southern Nation National and People Region; WHO, World Health Organization.

Data Sharing Statement

The datasets during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Author Contributions

All authors contributed to data analysis, drafting and revising the article, gave final approval of the version to be published, and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Additional information

Funding

Wolaita Sodo University funded the research. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.