Analysis of Risk Factors for Under-Five Child Malnutrition in Ethiopia: Multi-Level Approach
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Date
2016-06
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Addis Abeba university
Abstract
Although the problem of malnutrition affects the entire population, children are more vulnerable
because it reduces their physical growth, proper organ formulation and cognitive development
and weakens immune system. Under-nutrition contributes half of all deaths in children underfive
in Africa and Asia. The solution of this big public health problem is essential. From this
perspective, this study aimed to explore risk factors for under-five child malnutrition in Ethiopia.
The data for the study were taken from Ethiopian Mini Demographic and Health Survey
(EMDHS) of year 2014. To achieve objectives of the study, two indicators (stunting and wasting)
were studied. The two indicators were treated separately due to their biological differences.
Statistical models that handle the complexities of correlated data were employed. Generalized
Estimating Equations (GEEs), Alternating Logistic Regression (ALR), Proportional Odds Model
(POM), Partial Proportional Odds Model (PPOM) and baseline category logit models were
used for analysis. Results showed that mothers with less educational level, preceding birth
interval less than 24 months, from Tigray, Affar and SNNP regions were associated with higher
probability of stunting. Child age in months had positive effect on child stunting. Children from
non-educated mothers, from Affar and Somali regions had higher chance of wasting. Two-level
ALR analysis indicated strong association ( ) between two children from the same
households. In conclusion, results suggest that region, mother’s education level, wealth index,
preceding birth interval and child age were associated with stunting, while region, mother’s
education level, mother’s current marital status, sex and age of child in months were associated
with wasting among children under-five in Ethiopia. To reduce under-five child malnutrition,
some crucial steps regarding educating mothers and improving economic situation of population
as well as supplementary feeding programs should be considered.
Key Words: Alternating Logistic Regression (ALR), Generalized Estimating Equations (GEEs),
Proportional Odds Model (POM), Partial Proportional Odds Model (PPOM) Baseline Category
Logit, Stunting, Wasting
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Keywords
Child Malnutrition in Ethiopia