Under Nutrition and Associated Factors Among Under-Five Age Children of Kunama Ethnic Groups in Tahtay Adiyabo Woreda, Tigray Regional State, Ethiopia: Community based study

Type Journal Article
Title Under Nutrition and Associated Factors Among Under-Five Age Children of Kunama Ethnic Groups in Tahtay Adiyabo Woreda, Tigray Regional State, Ethiopia: Community based study
Author(s)
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2015
URL http://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijnfs.20150403.15.pdf
Abstract
Child under-nutrition is one of the most serious public health problems in Ethiopia. According to Demographic
and Health Survey of 2011 about 44% of children were stunted, 29% underweight and 10% were wasted nationally, which is
the highest in the world. So the aim of this study was to assess prevalence of under nutrition and associated factors among
children under-five years of age Kunama ethnic group, Tahtay Adiyabo District, Tigray region, Ethiopia .A community based
cross sectional study was conducted among 219 under-five age children of Kunama Ethic group. Study participants were
selected by simple random sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaire by interviewing mothers of child and
by taking anthropometric measurements (weight and heights) of each child. Data was entered using EPi-info software and
analyzed by SPSS version 16. The anthropometric data were analyzed by ENA for SMART 2011 soft ware. Bivariate and multi
variable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify associated factors and P < 0.05 was considered as statistically
significant for all tests. About 57.1%, 37.4% and 17.8% of children were stunted, underweight and wasted respectively.
Stunting had association with family size [AOR=4.359; 95% CI; (1.179-16.114)] and family monthly income [AOR=0.028; 95%
CI; (.006-.130)]. In addition, paternal education [AOR=0.170; 95% CI; (0.031-0.932)], parity [AOR=3.379; 95% CI; (1.083-
10.548)] and modern family planning utilization [AOR=10.740; 95% CI; (2.734-32.188)] were found to be associated factors
for underweight. The only predictor of wasting in this study was presence of diarrhea during last month before the data
collection period [AOR= 9.737; 95%CI; (2.406-13.407)]. Under nutrition is found to be highly prevalent in the area and it is an
important public health problem among Kunama children aged 6-59 months. Therefore, especial attention should be given on
nutritional interventions and health related services by conducting continuous nutrition surveillance.

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