Background: Malnutrition among children remains common in many parts of the world, particularly in developing countries. In Ethiopia, it is one of the most important health and welfare problems among infants and young children. Ethiopian Somali regional state is one of the most underserved regions in terms of access to essential services and characterized by a high level of child malnutrition, food insecurity, and vulnerable livelihoods. Therefore, the current study was undertaken to assess the magnitude and factors associated with malnutrition among children aged 6-59 months in Shinille Woreda, Ethiopian Somali regional state. Methods: Community-based cross-sectional survey, involving 694 study participants selected by multistage sampling technique, was conducted in Shinile Woreda from February to March, 2014. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and anthropometric measurement. Anthropometric indices were calculated using ENA for SMART software 2011, and SPSS V.16 was used for data analysis. Associations were computed using the OR and 95 % CI. P-value less than 0.05 were considered as statistically significant. Results: The overall prevalence of stunting, underweight and wasting were 33.4 %, 24.5 % and 20 %, respectively. The main associated factors of stunting and wasting were family size, child's sex and monthly income of the households. Immunization status was the only variable associated with all forms of malnutrition. Non-immunized children were 2.5 times more likely become underweight than their counterparts. The prevalence of stunting was 3. 8 times higher in households with large family size. Female children were 1.5 times more likely become wasted than their counterparts. Conclusion: Prevalence of malnutrition among under five children in Shinile Woreda is still high. Our finding highlighted the importance of childhood vaccination, family planning and poverty alleviation as potential targets for intervention.

BackgroundIn Ethiopia, female genital mutilation (FGM) remains a serious concern and has affected 23.8 million women and girls, with the highest prevalence in Somali regional state. Even though FGM is reported to be associated with a range of obstetric complications, little is known about its effects on childbirth in the region. Therefore, the objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that FGM is a contributing factor to the increased risk of complication during childbirth.MethodsFacility based cohort study, involving 142 parturients with FGM and 139 parturients without FGM, was conducted in Jijiga town from October to December, 2014. The study participants were recruited by consecutive sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured interviewer administered questionnaire and observational checklists. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16 and STATA version 11.ResultsThe existence of FGM was significantly associated with perinealtear [RR = 2.52 (95% CI 1.26–5.02)], postpartum blood loss [RR = 3.14 (95% CI 1.27–7.78)], outlet obstruction [RR = 1.83 (95% CI 1.19–2.79)] and emergency caesarean section [RR = 1.52 (95% CI 1.04–2.22)]. FGM type I and FGM type II did not demonstrate any association with prolonged 2nd stage of labour, emergency caesarean section, postpartum blood loss, and APGAR score < 7. FGM type III however was significantly associated with prolonged 2nd stage of labour [RR = 2.47 (95% CI 1.06–5.76)], emergency caesarean section [RR = 3.60 (95% CI 1.65–7.86)], postpartum blood loss [RR = 6.37 (95% CI 2.11–19.20] and APGAR score < 7 [RR = 4.41 (95% CI, 1.84–10.60)]. FGM type II and type III were significantly associated with perinealtear [RR = 2.45(95% CI 1.03–5.83)], [RR = 4.91(95% CI 2.46–9.77)] and outlet obstruction [RR = 2.38(95% CI 1.39–4.08)], [RR = 2.94(95% CI 1.84–4.71)] respectively.ConclusionWomen with FGM are significantly more likely than those without FGM to have adverse obstetric outcomes. Risks seem to be greater with more extensive form of FGM. Adverse obstetric outcomes can therefore be added to the known harmful immediate and long-term effects of FGM.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s12884-018-1937-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.