Under-Nutrition and its Determinants among Cobblestone Workers in Cobblestone Project, Yeka Sub City, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
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2015-06
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Addis Abeba University
Abstract
Background: Under-nutrition is one of the most important public health problems, affecting more than 900 million people around the World. It is an important underlying cause of illness and death in Africa and imposes a huge cost both in human and economic terms worldwide. In Ethiopia, although under-nutrition costs as high as 16.5% of its GDP, there is limited research evidence on its magnitude among the growing population of daily laborers. Objective: To assess the level of under-nutrition and its determinants among cobblestone workers in cobblestone project, Yeka Sub City, Addis Ababa Ethiopia. Methods: The study was community based cross sectional involving 423 cobblestone workers from February 20 to April 1, 2015. Systematic random sampling method was employed (with proportional allocation) for Qatsila, Gewasa and Tafo Cobblestone sites. Anthropometric measurements (weight, height) were recorded. Dietary intakes were estimated by 24 hrs recall using Household Dietary Diversity Score Questionnaire. Two days training was given to supervisors and data collectors. The data entered, cleaned and analyzed by using Epi info 3.5.3 and SPSS 20 version software respectively. Multiple binary logistic analysis was performed to examine the effect of independent variables on under-nutrition as defined by BMI<18.5. Results: Overall, 423[300 males (71%)] respondents participated in this study making the response rate at 100 percent. The prevalence of underweight (BMI<18.5) were 141(33.3%; 95%CI: 28.8- 38.0). Males were significantly more likely to have the conditions of under-weight 112(37.3%) versus 29(23.6%) [95% CI; 31.8-43.1] compared to their female counterparts. Lower educational status, bigger family size (greater or equal to 3), lower monthly income (<1500 ETB) and smoking, remained significant in multivariate analysis. Study participants who had no education were significantly more likely to be undernourished [OR = 7.83; 95% CI (3.78, 16.22)] compared to ≥ secondary level education. Daily laborers who had low monthly income (<1500) were significantly more likely to be undernourished [OR= 9.77; 95%CI (4.92, 19.39)] compared to high income (≥2500ETB).
Conclusion: The study revealed that substantial segments of cobblestone workers were undernourished. Significant determinant of under-nutrition include; lower educational level, bigger family size, lower monthly income and smoking. Based on the findings of the study it is important to prioritize such groups of cobblestone workers for targeted nutrition programs to reduce the burden of under-nutrition and contribute to their productivity.
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Under-Nutrition and its Determinants among Cobblestone Workers