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

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.