Prevalence and associated factors of wasting among school children in Ethiopia: Multi-centered cross-sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundWasting is one of the two major anthropometric markers used to describe malnutrition, and it represents a low weight for height, which is commonly associated with disease, including food deprivation. Methodology: School based cross-sectional study was conducted in Gedeo Zone, South Ethiopia. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to get a total of 500 children. Data was entered into Epidata version 3.1 and exported to Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 for analyses. Wasting was assessed by measuring weight-for-height of equal to or less than minus two standard deviations (2 SD) below the mean of a reference WHO standard by using Anthro Plus 1.0.4 software program. Variables having p < 0.25 at bivariate analysis were fitted to multivariable analysis. Multivariable logistic regression model was used at 95% confidence interval and with P-Value < 0.05. ResultThe prevalence of wasting was found to be 18.2%. Age AOR = 3.15, 95%CI (2.05,8.44))], sex [AOR = 3.87,95%CI (2.73, 9.03)]. Mothers’ educational status [AOR 3.49 (95%CI (2.23, 6.06))] and having history of internal displacement [AOR = 3.01, (95%CI (2.17,5.31)] were significantly associated with wasting among school-age children. ConclusionsAbout 18.2% of primary school children had wasted in this study. In this study, the age of children, maternal education, history of internal displacement, and sex of children were significantly associated with wasting. The interventions should be targeted with a special emphasis on the vulnerable groups of children (history of internal displacement). In addition, nutrition education must be considered.