Underweight and Factors Associated Among Lactating Mothers in Dodata District, Arsi Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia, 2021

Abstract

Background: An underweight individual is a somebody whose body weight is considered too low (BMI <18.5) to be healthy. The similar idea applies to lactating mothers. However, little is known about underweight status among lactating women in the study area. The objective of study to assess incidence of underweight and related issues among lactating mothers in Dodota district of Arsi Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia, from February 1-28, 2021. Methods: The cross-sectional study design was done on 355 lactating mothers. The strata and simple random sampling technique were used. The structured questionnaire and anthropometric measurements were used. Data were entered and cleaned using Epi info version 7.1 and SPSS version 21 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate analysis were done. Descriptive statistics wree performed. The crude and adjusted odds ratio along with 95%CI were used to measure the strength of association. The level of statistical significance was declared at a p-value < 0.05. Results: Study revealed (14.1) lactating mother were underweight. Rural areas, (AOR=2.5 [95% CI: (1.061, 6.302), the practice of food taboos (AOR= 2.3, [95% CI: (1.045, 5.084) and income level(AOR= 2.1[95% CI: (1.003, 4. 460) were found to be independent determinants of under-weight among lactating mothers in the study area. Conclusions: The prevalence of underweight among lactating mothers was lower. Key-words:Underweight, lactating mother, associated factors, Dodota, Ethiopia