Educated Mothers Research Articles

Understanding Procrastination: Role of Time Management and Task Aversiveness in Shaping Mathematics Achievement

Academic procrastination is the deliberate delay of academic tasks, which is frequently caused by various reasons such as poor time management, disinterest in task or lack of motivation, sincerity, perfectionism or external socio-demographic variables. These behaviors can adversely affect students’ academic performance. The present study aims to examine the status of students’ time management and task aversiveness in academic procrastination. This study further investigates their role in shaping mathematics achievement. A quantitative research approach with a cross-sectional survey research design was used among 474 secondary level students of Bardiya district. The data were analyzed by using t-tests, ANOVA and multiple linear regressions. The finding reveals that time management and task aversiveness are significant contributors to procrastination. Additionally, regression analysis shows that study hour, aversiveness of task, ethnicity, father education and mother education are major significant factors to determine mathematics achievement score. These results underscore the critical need for collaborative efforts among parents, teachers and policymakers to address the root causes of procrastination and enhance students’ academic performance. Developing targeted interventions and support systems can foster better time management and reduce task aversiveness, ultimately leading to improved learning outcomes in mathematics and beyond.

Food-related behaviors of rural (Asaase Kooko) and peri-urban (Kaadjanor) households in Ghana

Background“Food-related behaviors” range widely and include food acquisition, storage, cooking, meal sharing, eating practices, among others. Food-related behaviors can influence nutritional status and health outcomes, and likely vary between rural and peri-urban households; however, there is limited documentation on such differences.ObjectiveTo assess food-related behaviors of rural and peri-urban households in Ghana to inform the design and implementation of a field study to validate passive wearable camera technologies for dietary assessment.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional qualitative study in rural (Asaase Kokoo) and peri-urban (Kaadjanor) communities, Ghana. Forty key informants (20 rural and 20 peri-urban) were interviewed about their household food-related behaviors. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim by professional transcribers, and manually coded using the directed content analysis approach.ResultsAll but three key informants were mothers, who were also the main food preparers for their households. The mean (SD) ages of female key informants were 35.5 (19.8) years in rural households and 38.9 (19.2) years in peri-urban households. The ages of two male key informants in rural households were 45 and 60 years, and the age of the only male key informant in a peri-urban household was 53 years. The most prevalent occupation in rural households was farming, while in per-urban households, blue-collar jobs (e.g., beauticians, sales personnel, and commercial drivers) were the main occupations. Farming was the main source of food in rural households, whereas buying food from local markets and grocery stores was the main source of food in peri-urban households. Some in rural and peri-urban households reported that husbands received preferential treatment by being served first with larger meal portions after food preparation in the home. Few key informants in rural households reported that meal-sharing patterns were based on ages of household members, with adults usually served more food than children.ConclusionThe meal-sharing patterns and eating practices reported in some rural and peri-urban households could potentially impact the nutrition and health of children. Our findings suggest the need for nutrition education for mothers to provide adequate and nutrient-rich foods to support optimal child growth and development.

Trends and socioeconomic inequalities of recommended antenatal care services utilization in Ethiopia: A decomposition analysis using Ethiopian nationwide Demographic Health Surveys 2011-2019.

Antenatal care (ANC) services are essential to reduce maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality rates. However, the trends and socioeconomic inequality of utilizing recommended ANC services has not been well studied in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the trends and socioeconomic disparities in receiving recommended ANC services among Ethiopian women. This study used recent Ethiopian Demographic Health Surveys (EDHS) conducted in 2011, 2016, and 2019. Binary logistic regression model was employed to assess the association between receiving the recommended ANC services and explanatory variables and socioeconomic disparities were estimated through concentration index (CIX) analysis. Moreover, Wagstaff approach was used to decompose the relative CIX to the contribution of explanatory variables for the observed disparities. This study found that 37.37% (95%CI: 36.46-38.28%) of mothers utilized the recommended ANC services in Ethiopia. The trend in the coverage of recommended ANC services increased from ~ 30% in 2011 to 44.70% in 2019. Mother's age and education, household wealth status, distance of the nearest health facility, and experiencing domestic abuse (i.e., wife beating) were significantly associated with utilization of recommended ANC services. The relative estimated CIX for wealth index, mothers education, Ethiopian administrative regions, and residence were 0.15 (P < 0.001), 0.14 (P < 0.001), 0.07(P < 0.001), and -0.11(P < 0.001), respectively. Wealth status of the households contributed for almost two-thirds (66.58%) of the observed disparity in recommended ANC service utilization across wealth categories. The study revealed that Ethiopian women's utilization of recommended ANC services was unequal by their socioeconomic classes, with better off women more likely to utilize the recommended ANC services than worse off women. Hence, the responsible body should improve the access and quality of antenatal care services for underprivileged women in Ethiopia.

The Attitudes of Secondary School Students Studying in Different School Types Towards Physical Education and Sports Lessons: Comparison of Village and City

The main aim of this study was to determine the attitudes of secondary school students towards physical education and sports lessons by making comparisons according to settlement and school types. In selecting the study group, the stratified purposeful sampling method, which is a type of purposive sampling method and one of the non-random sampling methods, was adopted. The data were collected and evaluated using a personal information form and BES course attitude scale. SPSS statistical program was used to analyze the data and the significance value was accepted as .05. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that the data were normally distributed and t-test was used for pairwise comparisons, Post-Hoc Tukey and One-Way Variance Analysis (ANOVA) were used for more than two comparisons. According to the results of the research, no significant differences were found in the mean scores of the students' attitudes towards the BES course according to variables such as gender, residence in the city center or rural area, mother's occupation, father's education level, school type and place of residence. However, significant differences were found in the mean scores of the students' attitudes towards the BES course in terms of factors such as being on the school team, gym status, class levels, transportation to school, location of the school, father's occupation, mother's education level.

Factors Influencing Knowledge and Attitudes towards Second-Hand Smoking Exposure Among University Students: An Exploratory Study.

Despite extensive global research on second-hand smoking (SHS) exposure, there is a noticeable lack of studies focusing on the knowledge and attitudes of university students in Bangladesh. This cross-sectional study aimed to address this gap by assessing the levels of knowledge and attitudes towards SHS exposure among university students in Bangladesh. Utilizing a convenience sampling technique, data were collected from 383 university students, encompassing socio-demographic information, as well as knowledge and attitude-related inquiries. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS software, including independent t-tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multiple linear regression. The findings revealed that participants exhibited a moderate level of knowledge and attitude towards SHS exposure. Multiple linear regression identified age, gender, mother's education, and self-rated health status as significant predictors of knowledge, explaining 12.9% of its variance (R2 = 0.129, F = 6.117, P < .001). Furthermore, age, gender, and living with parents emerged as significant predictors of attitude, explaining 14.7% of its variance (R2 = 0.147, F = 7.165, P < .001). The study highlights the need for interventions aimed at enhancing awareness and fostering positive attitudes towards SHS exposure among university students in Bangladesh. It is recommended that university authorities organize seminars and implement health education initiatives targeting vulnerable populations to address the findings and promote a smoke-free environment on campus.

Determinants of Stunting among Children with Teenage Mothers: Evidence from Indonesia

Abstract Background: Stunting brings many losses to children. This situation becomes even more severe when it occurs in children who are teenage mothers. The study analyzes determinants of stunting among children with teenage mothers in Indonesia. Methods: The study examined 1,946 children (0-23 months old). The study analyzed nutritional status, residence, maternal factors (no education, primary education, secondary education, marriage, employment, socioeconomic, prenatal class), and child characteristics (age and gender). Results: Children in urban areas were 1.063 times more likely to experience stunting than those in rural areas [adjusted odd ratio (AOR): 1.063; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.040-1.086]. Children with mothers at all education levels were likelier than mothers in secondary education to experience stunting. Children with divorced/widowed mothers were 0.808 times less likely to experience stunting than married mothers (AOR: 0.808; 95% CI: 0.768-0.851). Children with unemployed mothers were 1.048 times more likely than employed mothers to experience stunting (AOR: 1.048; 95% CI: 1.018-1.079). Children of all socioeconomic levels were likelier than the richest to experience stunting. Children with mothers not attending prenatal classes were 1.472 times more likely to experience stunting than those attending prenatal classes (AOR: 1.472; 95% CI: 1.434-1.512). Children 12-23 months were 3.739 times more likely than &lt;12 months to experience stunting (3.739; 95% CI: 3.658-3.821). Boys were 1.727 times more likely than girls to experience stunting (AOR: 1.727; 95% CI: 1.691-1.764). Conclusion: The study concluded eight variables associated with stunting among children with teenage mothers in Indonesia: residence, maternal education, maternal marital status, maternal employment, socioeconomic, prenatal classes, children’s age, and children’s gender.

Effectiveness of Community Based Nutritional Education of Mothers on Nutritional Status of their Children below 6 Years of Age in Selected Rural Area

Background: Children are the future of any nation and the progress of any nation depends upon the education that they acquire today, the same kind of education they will apply on themselves or their nation future. It is necessary for any nation to take special care of below 6-year children by providing basic components like well-balanced food, excellence education, hospital and shelter. Community based nutritional education process can increase the growth and development, and performance of their children. The nutritional education of mothers is vital for child grooming and they are their first educator. Methods: A Pre-experimental research design as used for current study. Assessment of nutritional status of children below 6 years of age and their mothers, was assessed by using anthropometric measurement scale, 50 samples were selected by using convenient sampling technique who are below 6 year children and their mothers residing at Sigikeri LT and Sigikeri rural areas of Bagalkot taluk, district, Karnataka. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The result of pretest score depicts that the majority of Children, were 26(52%) found with normal level up Malnutrition, 24(48%) were with mild level of Malnutrition, and no one had Moderate, Severe and Very severe levels of Malnutrition. Whereas the post test score depicts that majority 47(94%) of children were normal score of level of malnutrition (&gt;80%), followed by 3(6%) of children were mild level of malnutrition score (71-80%). Hence study the depicts that there is an significance difference in between pre test scores and post test scores of Height, Weight and Midarm circumference, and it shows community based nutritional education was found to be effective. There was a no significant association found between nutritional status of children. With sociodemographic variables. Conclusion: The overall study findings depicted that the effectiveness of community based on nutritional ...

Determinants of appropriate complementary feeding practices among mothers of children aged 6–23 months in Bokoji town, Oromia region, Ethiopia

BackgroundOne of the contributing factors for malnutrition among children aged 6–23 months is inappropriate complementary feeding. Appropriate complementary feeding practices have the potential to prevent 6% of all deaths among children 6–23 months, particularly in developing countries. Thus, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of appropriate complementary feeding practices and associated factors among mothers aged 6–23 months in Bokoji Town, Oromia Region, Ethiopia.MethodA community-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 6–23 aged children in Bokoji town from May 1–30, 2023. A total of 434 mothers of children aged 6–23 months were recruited by simple random sampling technique using computer-generated random numbers. The Collected data were entered into Epi Info version 7 and exported into SPSS version 25 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable Logistic regression model was used to determine factors associated with appropriate complementary feeding practice. A p-value of < 0.05 and an Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with 95% CI were used to declare the factors associated with the outcome variable.ResultsThe study found that 80.0% (95% CI: 76.0%, 83.5%) of children had a timely introduction of complementary feeding, 19.8% (95% CI: 16.3%, 23.8%) had minimum dietary diversity, 93.8%(95% CI: 91.2%, 95.8%) had minimum meal frequency and 19.4%(95% CI: 15.8%, 23.3%) had minimum acceptable diet. The level of appropriate complementary feeding practice in this study was 13.1%,(95% CI: 10.1%, 16.6%). Husband education level [AOR = 4.32:95% CI:1.68,11.11], Mothers education level [AOR: 3.98, 95% CI:1.64–9.67], birth order [AOR = 13.65:95% CI:3.56, 52.34], Postnatal care visit[AOR: 4.35, 95% CI:1.52,12.49], and place of birth [AOR: 2.97, 95% CI:1.26,6.98] and mothers knowledge of Infant and Youth Child feeding services [AOR: 10.03, 95% CI:2.66, 37.81] were significantly associated with appropriate complementary feeding practice.ConclusionThe study found the prevalence of mothers who practiced appropriate complementary feeding is low in the study area. Factors such as the education level of husband and mother, birth order, postnatal care visit, place of birth, and mothers’ knowledge of Infant and Youth Child feeding services were significantly associated with appropriate complementary feeding practice. Thus, healthcare providers should provide continuous health education on complementary feeding during antenatal care visits, postnatal care visits, and child immunization services.

The relationship between body appreciation and weight-related health behaviors among Chinese adolescents

IntroductionResearch on body appreciation has flourished globally in recent years. College students and adults, rather than adolescents have been mainly focused in China. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the current status of body appreciation and weight-related health behaviors among Chinese adolescents, and elucidate their multifaceted relationships.MethodsA total of 487 students from two junior high schools were selected through stratified cluster sampling for this cross-sectional study conducted in Hangzhou city, China. Data were collected by using the questionnaire including the Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2), the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A), and the self-designed Food Frequency Questions.ResultsThe study showed current status of body appreciation among Chinese adolescents, with a majority categorized as physically inactive and having unhealthy dietary behaviors, leading to abnormal weight. Notably, this study provided novel evidence linking body appreciation with positive weight-related behavioral outcomes in both physical activity and dietary behaviors (such as sufficient fruit and vegetable consumption and reduced fried food intake) among Chinese adolescents. Besides, this study also revealed the impact of gender, mother's education, and household income on weight-related health behaviors among adolescents.DiscussionThis study emphasized the significant relationships between body appreciation and weight-related health behaviors among Chinese adolescents. These findings present empirical evidence for the development of intervention programs aimed at fostering body appreciation and promoting weight-related health behaviors in adolescents.

Assessment of Knowledge and Attitude of Yemeni Mothers Toward Their Children’s Oral Health Status

Aim of the study: To assess the attitude and knowledge among Yemeni parents toward their child’s oral health practice and habits with associated factors. Subjects and methods: This study was carried out using three hundred self-administered structured questionnaires for parents or guardians. Demographic variables, knowledge of dental health, oral health, and dietary practices concerning dental care, and attitudes toward oral health were assessed. The correlation between sociodemographic status and oral health knowledge and practice was evaluated. Result: results showed that the mean caregiver's level of knowledge is 53.9%. Most mothers have good knowledge about the age of primary teeth eruption 71.9% and exfoliation 64.9%, the significance of primary teeth 78.4%, what causes the most common dental disease affects teeth 91.8%, and the importance of cleaning teeth 85.4%. 68.4% Cleaned their teeth, and most of them 78.4% remained to encourage their children to clean their teeth. Mothers have bad knowledge about the time to start brushing their children’s teeth 46.8% and the role of fluoride in preventing dental caries 32.2%. There was a statistically significant correlation between the level of knowledge and the mother’s education level and occupation. Conclusion: Yemeni mothers have average knowledge of their children’s oral health status. There was a statistically significant relation between the mother’s education level and the level of knowledge. The mother's education level group (Professional) ranked first with a knowledge level (73%).

Building m-health technology to promote breastfeeding

Objective: to develop an m-health technology to promote breastfeeding in nursing mothers. Methods: methodological study, carried out from February 2020 to July 2021. Technological development application, following Pressman's prototyping model. The content was based on the precepts of Meaningful Learning, elaborated through a situational diagnosis and an integrative review, which guided the compilation of information and guidelines. It has a Computer Program Registration Certificate from the National Institute of Industrial Property (Process No. BR512021002438-9). Results: the application is entitled "Amamente" (Breastfeeding), and consists of the visual identity of the nursing mother, the welcome screen, and the "We want to meet you" screen. This is followed by eleven interactive interfaces for ouaccessing guidance and information such as breastfeeding; milk production; my breasts; signs of correct positioning; signs of correct latch-on; milk extraction; breast problems; signs of effective breastfeeding; when not to breastfeed; mom's space and references. Conclusion: the technology was built successfully and its final version brought together national and international scientific recommendations. "Amamente" can be used as a resource with potential reach and favorable to the process of health education and future interventions for mothers during breastfeeding.

Predictors of insecticide-treated nets utilization among children under five years in refugee settlements in Uganda: analysis of the 2018–2019 Uganda Malaria Indicator Survey

BackgroundDespite significant distribution of insecticide-treated net (ITNs) by the Government of Uganda to refugees, malaria is major cause of mortality and morbidity among children under five years in refugee settlements. This highlights the persistent challenges and complexities surrounding malaria control and prevention efforts in these settings. Studies that focus on the determinants of ITN utilization among children under five years in refugee settlements in Uganda are not available. Using the 2018–2019 Uganda’s Malaria Indicator Survey (UMIS) data, analysis of the individual and household factors associated with utilization of ITN among children under five in refugee settlements of Uganda was conducted.MethodsThis study focused on 589 children under five staying in refugee settlements located in Uganda. The extracted variables from the UMIS included social-economic factors associated with ITN utilization. Descriptive analysis was performed to generate summarized statistics, while inferential statistics by way of bivariate analysis were performed to assess the association between the outcome and the independent variables using the chi-square test, and multivariable logistic regression modelling to assess the magnitude of the associations after controlling for other covariates. All analyses considered the survey sampling design and sampling weights, and are conducted in Stata version 18.ResultsThe odds of children sleeping under ITN were higher if their mothers had secondary and higher education (8.1 times) as well as primary education (1.5 times). The odds of children sleeping under ITN reduced by 50% if their mothers were pregnant. Interestingly, the odds of children sleeping under ITN were 70% lower if their mothers knew that ‘not sleeping in nets’ caused malaria. Mothers who were exposed to malaria messages had lower odds of their children sleeping under ITNs.ConclusionsThe results highlight areas of intervention that can increase ITN use in refugee settlements of Uganda. Improving access to education for mothers, providing targeted health education on the importance of ITN, dispelling misconceptions about malaria transmission, facilitating the proper installation of ITNs among others, can all contribute to increased ITN utilization among children under five.

The Relationship of Behavior Towards Nutrient Intake and the Incidence of Anemia in Pancar Bakti Middle School Students

Anemia is a condition characterized by a decrease in the number of red blood cells or a decrease in the amount of hemoglobin in the blood. Anemia is a significant health problem among adolescents. This study aims to determine the relationship between anemia behavior and iron intake in Pancar Bakti Middle School female students. This research used a cross-sectional approach which was carried out from January to February 2024. The research was conducted on female students at Pancar Bakti Middle School, Bogor with a sampling technique using total sampling, namely 41 female students. All female students had their knowledge, attitudes, and behavior measured using a questionnaire and Hb (Hemoglobin) was measured using the Easy Touch GCHb. Univariate analysis based on respondent characteristics showed that of the 41 female students, most were 17 years old (41.5%), mother's education was junior high school graduate (41.5%), the father's education was junior high school graduate (48.8%), mother's employment status was housewife (85.4%), the father's employment status is self-employed (85.4), the source of information about anemia is that most people get it from the family (39.0), then there are 35 female students (85.36%) experiencing anemia, while 6 female students (14.64%) did not experience anemia. Bivariate analysis using the chi-square statistical test showed insignificant results with a p-value&gt; 0.05 for the variable, namely the mother's level of knowledge regarding anemia (p = 0.646). Significant results with a p-value &lt;0.05 were obtained for the variables, namely attitudes regarding anemia (p = 0.024), and actions towards anemia (p = 0.000). Conclusion is the level of education, economy, and sources of information about anemia that influence the incidence of anemia in adolescents. There is a relationship between attitudes and actions and the incidence of anemia. There is no relationship between knowledge and the incidence of anemia. Keywords: anemia, teenagers, knowledge, attitudes, behavior

Risk Factors and Circulating Subtypes of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in Hospitalized Children in Mozambique.

Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis are important diarrheal agents in children in developing countries. Little is known about their molecular epidemiology; as such, the objective of this study was to determine the risk factors and genetic diversity of both parasites in diarrheal samples in Mozambique. In this study, two nested PCRs targeting ssurRNA and gp60 genes were used for genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium spp. and b-giardin for G. duodenalis. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were obtained through questionnaires. The location (odds ratio [OR] 3.499), mother's education level (OR 2.150) and age were significant factors for acquiring infection by Cryptosporidium spp. (p < 0.05). Cryptosporidium hominis was the predominant (77.8%) species. Four families (three C. hominis and one C. parvum) were identified, with the highest for Ib (73.9%), followed by Id (13%), Ia (8.7%) and IIc (4.3%). The location (p-value < 0.001), drinking untreated water (p-value = 0.04) and living in masonry houses (p-value = 0.002) were identified as risks associated with G. duodenalis infection. Assemblage A was the dominant type (65.2%). Among the subassemblages of assemblage A, AII was the most frequent (86.6%), followed by AIII (6.6%). For assemblage B, subassemblages BIII (87.5%) and BIV (12.5%) were identified. The dominance of the subtype IbA9G3 of C. hominis, as well as the AII subassemblage of G. duodenalis, seems to indicate that the transmission of both protozoa occurs mainly through the anthroponotic route.

Social and economic patterning in UPF intake in toddlerhood and middle childhood: longitudinal data from the UK Gemini cohort.

Children's consumption of ultra-processed food (UPF) may contribute to inequalities in obesity and wider health. Socioeconomic patterning in younger UK children's UPF intake is unknown. To investigate socioeconomic patterning of UK toddlers' (21-months) and children's (7-years) UPF intake across several household and neighbourhood indicators. Secondary analysis of data from a prospective longitudinal cohort study using parent-report sociodemographic data and 3-day diet diaries. /setting: Participants were children from the UK Gemini study of n=4,804 twins born in 2007. At 21-months and 7-years, n=2,591 and n=592 children had at least 2-days of dietary data, respectively. Percentage energy from UPF at 21-months and 7-years-of-age, classified using the NOVA system. Unadjusted linear regression models were run for household socioeconomic position (SEP) composite score, Index of multiple deprivation decile, income, occupation level, mother's age, education of mother and partner, child's ethnicity, sex, and age. Adjusted multivariable linear regression models were adjusted for ethnicity and all SEP indicators except SEP composite score (Adjusted 1), in addition to child sex and age (Adjusted 2). Missing data were addressed with multiple imputation and inverse probability weighting. Confidence intervals and P-values were adjusted to account for clustering within families. Children of lower SEP had higher UPF intake across several indicators. Mother's education was the strongest predictor, with postgraduate education associated with 8.64% (95% CI -12.08 to -5.20; P<0.001) and 10.12% (95% CI -15.68 to -4.56; P<0.001) less energy from UPF at 21-months and 7-years, respectively, compared to no educational qualifications in Adjusted model 2. UK children from more disadvantaged backgrounds consumed a greater proportion of their energy from UPF. Mother's education seemed the most influential factor. Socioeconomic inequalities, particularly in maternal education, may drive disparities in diet quality and associated health outcomes. Addressing these gaps is essential to reduce childhood obesity and improve long-term health in socioeconomically disadvantaged populations.

Factors of Acute Malnutrition among Under Five Years Children in Northern Bangladesh

Background: The developmental, medical, economic and social impacts of acute malnutrition in children are serious and long lasting for individuals, families, communities and countries. Malnutrition in childhood damages a child’s both physical and cognitive development and this damage is largely irreversible. These ultimately perpetuate illness, poverty and inequality. Childhood acute malnutrition is multifactorial in origin and majority of them are preventable. Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify the factors of acute malnutrition among under five years children in northern Bangladesh. Methods: This case-control study was carried out in Chapainawabganj general hospitals, Chapainawabganj. Total 180 children aged 6-59 months (90 cases-WHZ &lt; -2 and 90 control-WHZ ≥ -2) were included for this study based on selection criteria. Informed written consent was taken from the guardians of all children. Data were recorded by using a semi-structured questionnaire. Height and weight of children and their parents were measured by measuring tape and weight machine. BMI of children and parents, and weight-for-height Z scores of children were calculated. Collected data were analyzed by the SPSS 23. Chi-squared (ꭓ2) test and unpaired t-test were performed to compare the frequencies and means between the groups. Results: The mean age of the acute malnourished children was 25.84±15.09 months with slight male predominance (male female ratio 1.14:1). The mean weight for height Z score of the cases was -2.93±0.41. Monthly family income &lt;10000 BDT, younger mother (age ≤20 years), younger father (age ≤20 years), less educated mother (Illiterate or upto primary), less educated father (Illiterate or up to primary), undernourished mother (BMI &lt;18.50 kg/m2) and predominant breast feeding stop before 4 months had found to be significantly associated with acute malnourishment (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Acute malnutrition was found to be significantly associated with low monthly family income, younger mother and father, less educated mother and father, undernourished mother and early stop of predominant breast feeding. EWMCJ Vol. 13, No. 1, January 2025: 35-42

Dietary practice and associated factors among lactating mothers in Dangila District in the Awi Zone Amhara region Ethiopia, 2022: a cross-sectional study.

Lactation is the critical time for meeting the nutritional demands of mothers and infants. Mothers from low-income countries, including Ethiopia, are considered nutritionally vulnerable. Good dietary practices for mothers during lactation are therefore important for the good health of their children. The main objective of this study was to assess dietary practice and associated factors of lactating mothers in Dangila Zuria District, Amhara region, Ethiopia, 2022. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 609 lactating women from March 1st to May 1st 2022. The study participants were selected using a straightforward simple random sampling techniques. Data was collected by using structured questionnaires. The data was entered in Epi-data and exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Bi-variable and multi-variable logistic regression analyses were used to see the relevant associations. The variable significantly associated with dietary practice was identified based on a P-value ≤ 0.05. This study revealed that only one-third 204 lactating mothers, demonstrated good dietary practices. Notably, several factors were significantly associated with poor dietary practices: mothers with a family size greater than four had 3.01 times higher odds of inadequate dietary habits (AOR = 3.01; 95% CI: 1.56, 9.28), while those with birth intervals of <2 years faced 2.31 times greater odds (AOR = 2.31; 95% CI: 1.49, 3.56). Additionally, daily laborers exhibited a striking 9.35 times higher likelihood of poor dietary practices (AOR = 9.35; 95% CI: 8.02, 19.96), and food-insecure mothers had 4.93 times higher odds of inadequate nutrition (AOR = 4.93; 95% CI: 3.40, 7.16). In conclusion, the dietary practices of lactating mothers were found to be suboptimal, falling below WHO and FAO recommendations. Factors such as family size, birth intervals, maternal occupation (especially daily laborers), and food insecurity were identified as significant contributors. Addressing these issues is crucial. Key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health (MOH), Regional Health Bureaus (RHB), and health professionals, must work together to alleviate food insecurity, promote optimal family planning, and educate mothers on proper nutrition. Addressing these challenges is essential to achieving global objectives such as reducing malnutrition, improving maternal health, and ensuring healthy child development.

Determining the risk factors of malaria and anemia in children between 6 and 59 months using the joint generalized linear mixed model on the 2021 Nigeria Malaria Indicator Survey dataset.

Malaria and anemia are significant public health concerns that contribute to child mortality in African. Despite global efforts to control the two diseases, their prevalence in high-risk regions like Nigeria remains high. Understanding socioeconomic, demographic, and geographical factors associated with malaria and anemia, is critical for effective intervention strategies. The study aims to assess the risk factors for malaria and anemia in children under 5 years using the joint generalized linear mixed model (JGLMM). The Nigeria Malaria Indicator Survey (NMIS) 2021 dataset was used, with a sample of 10,120 children aged 6-59 months. A two-stage sampling method was applied. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests examined factors associated with malaria and anemia prevalence. Missing data were handled using multiple imputations with chained equations (MICE). Lastly, the adjusted odds ratio was interpreted for the current study. SAS was used in analyzing the data and statistical significance was set at 5% significance level. The prevalence of malaria and anemia was 36.81 and 67.66%, respectively, in children between 6 and 59 months old in Nigeria. The JGLMM was used to examine malaria RDT and anemia findings in conjunction with demographic, geographic, and socioeconomic covariates. The following underlying risk factors for malaria and anemia in children were discovered in the study: region, altitude, age of child in months, toilet facility of the household, main wall material used for the house, main roof material used for the house, children under five who slept under a mosquito net, whether the child had fever in last 2 weeks before the survey took place, place of residence where the child resides, household wealth index, sex of child, and mother's education level. However, whether the mother knew of ways to prevent malaria was not statistically significant regarding anemia. This study highlights the importance of addressing fever as a key factor for anemia and improving housing conditions to reduce malaria and anemia prevalence. Policymakers should prioritize mosquito net distribution and healthcare access, particularly in rural areas. The study's novelty lies in its handling of missing data through imputation techniques, enhancing the reliability of findings.

Risk factors for wasting in toddlers in East Nusa Tenggara

Background: Wasting is a significant public health issue in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Indonesia, and it negatively impacts the nutritional status of toddlers. Objective: This study aims to analyze the factors associated with wasting among toddlers in NTT. Method: This observational study employed a cross-sectional design, conducted from July to August 2023 at the Panite and Kualin Health Centers in TTS, NTT Province, with a total of 150 respondents. Chi-square tests were used to analyze the relationship between variables, and logistic regression was applied to identify risk factors. The prevalence of wasting in 2022 was 10.7%. Research Results: The findings indicate that toddlers with wasting have a higher proportion of shorter birth lengths (&lt;48cm) at 17.3%, are less frequently given early breastfeeding initiation (18%), are more prevalent in families with a moderate number of members (5-6 people) at 23.3%, have mothers with no education (2.7%) or only elementary education (20.7%), and have mothers with low knowledge about nutrition and health (score&lt;60) at 18%, compared to non-wasting toddlers. Statistically significant differences were observed for birth length (p=0.040), early initiation of breastfeeding (p&lt;0.001), the first drink given at birth (p=0.035), number of family members (p=0.041), mother's education (p=0.023), and mother's knowledge about nutrition and health (p=0.020) between wasting and non- wasting toddlers. The most influential factors contributing to wasting in toddlers are the duration of exclusive breastfeeding, per capita income, and postnatal environmental factors. The variables analyzed in this study explain 36.1% of the factors affecting wasting among toddlers in East Nusa Tenggara. These findings highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing wasting in the region, emphasizing improved breastfeeding practices, increased family income, and enhancements in postnatal environmental conditions.

A study of association between maternal tetanus toxoid immunization and neonatal mortality in the context of Bangladesh.

Maternal tetanus toxoid (MTT) vaccination during pregnancy remains an important factor for reducing infant mortality globally, especially in developing nations, including Bangladesh. Despite commendable progress in reducing child mortality through widespread MTT vaccination during pregnancy, the issue still exists. This analysis explores the impact of MTT vaccination on neonatal mortality in Bangladesh and identifies associated factors. This research utilizes data from the 2019 Bangladesh Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS). The dataset consists of 23,402 cases; among them, 587 cases resulted in infant death. The outcome variable was infant mortality, which was binary. The independent variables identified as potential contributors to the cause of death included tetanus toxoid vaccination status, mode of delivery (cesarean section or not), and mother's education level, among others. The Poisson model was employed to analyze the data. The analyses showed that the neonatal mortality rate was 2.51%. Notably, 45.90% of mothers received the MTT vaccination during pregnancy. Among them, 23.07% received a single dose, and 22.82% took adequate doses (receiving more than two doses) and adhered to WHO guidelines. The adjusted incidence rate ratio (IRR) was 1.36, which indicates that there was a 36% higher risk of neonatal mortality for those children whose mothers did not take TT (IRR = 1.36, p = 0.081). We also found that women from middle-class households (IRR = 1.58, 95% CI = 0.98, 2.54) and women with higher parity (IRR = 1.96, 95% CI = 0.95, 4.03) also had a higher risk of newborn fatalities. A comparable trend has been observed regarding the correlation between the number of tetanus doses administered and neonatal mortality, where it also emphasizes the importance of receiving adequate doses (a minimum of 2 doses of tetanus vaccine) to mitigate neonatal mortality (adjusted IRR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.29, 1.01) in comparison to no doses received. Administering a minimum of one maternal tetanus dose significantly lowers the risk of neonatal mortality. Other than Maternal Tetanus Toxoid vaccination, the analyses underscore various contributors to neonatal mortality, encompassing maternal healthcare, delivery procedures, socio-economic status, and education. Targeted interventions addressing these factors have the potential to efficiently decrease neonatal mortality rates and improve overall maternal and child health.