Assessment of Nutritional Status and Its Determinants Among Under-five Children in Butajira, South Ethiopia.
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Date
1995-05
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Addis Abeba Universty
Abstract
Malnutrition, in particular child malnutrition is a serious problem in the developing world. However its magnitude and factors are seldom well defined. Hence, across-sectional study with internal comparisons was conducted in Meskan ena Mareko Woreda, Butajira, between October 1994 and January 1995. The study aimed at assessing nutritional status and its determinants among under-five children. The study population was identified from under - fives of of 10 villages sampled PPS. Data on variables of child, care-taker and household characteristics; child morbidity and care were gathered through an interview. Anthropometric measurements were used to determine child's weight, height and MUAC. Results showed that 25.1% were underweight, 43.3%stunted and 4.0% wasted. Children < 6 months old were least affected with underweight and stunting. Those 12-23and 24-59 months old were affected most with underweight and stunting, respectively. Age, birth order, spacing and breast feeding were significantly associated with nutritional status. Similarly , altitude, income, food sufficiency were strongly associated to nutritional status ( OR:1.41 , 95% CI:1.18 - 1.67, OR:0.63, 95% CI : 0.53-0.75, OR : 2.45, 95% CI:2.04-2.94, respectively). Also education of mothers' and fathers', were significantly associated with nutritional status. Child illnesses, were strongly (OR :4. 38, 95% CI :3 . 71-5 .1 6) , while type of care during illness were weakly associated. From the study i t is concluded that malnutrition is highly prevalent and infections, poverty and lack of formal education are at the roots of it. Improvement of socio economic factors, in particular food availability and knowledge child health are necessary,. With these, integration of services with other sectors of socio economic development is also indispensable.
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Nutritional Status, Under-five Children