Magnitude and factors associated with malnutrition in children 6–59 months of age in Shinille Woreda, Ethiopian Somali regional state: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

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.

Predictors of stunting among children 6–59 months of age in Sodo Zuria District, South Ethiopia: a community based cross-sectional study

“…This finding is different from other study findings from Ethiopia, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda where males have higher risk of being stunted [14,[17][18][19]. On the other hand, in favor of our finding a study from Eastern Ethiopia reported that females had higher chance of being stunted [20]. This may be due to cultural issues, gender preference and differential feeding practice which neglects girls [21][22][23].…”

Stunting and anemia among children 6–23 months old in Damot Sore district, Southern Ethiopia

“…This study shows that children living in households having more than one under-five aged children was more stunted as opposed to households with a child less than 5 years of age. This in agreement with a study conducted in Eastern Ethiopia [21], Ethiopian Somali region [22], Mozambique [23], Kenya [24] and Ghana [25]. Under-five children living in households with many siblings of same age category in a low-income setting were subjected to increased competition for resources which results in major child health constraints such as stunting and nutritional deficiencies [26].…”

Determinants of stunting among children aged 6-59 months at Kindo Didaye woreda, Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia: Unmatched case control study

“…In Ethiopia studies were conducted to assess the prevalence of stunting among under-five children. A community-based survey conducted in Shinille Woreda showed that the prevalence of stunting was 33.4% among children aged 6–59 months [ 13 ]. The other study carried out in East Belesa District, North West Ethiopia indicated that 57.7% of children were stunted [ 14 ].…”