BackgroundThe cause of under-nutrition in schoolchildren is complex and varying from region to region. However, identifying the cause is the basic step for nutritional intervention programs.MethodsSchool based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 450 schoolchildren aged 7-14 years, using multi-stage sampling techniques in Dale Woreda, southern Ethiopia.A structured questionnaire and 24-hour recall methods were administered to determine the sociodemographic and dietary intake of participants. Stool microscopic examination was done. Weight and height were measured using a standard calibrated scale. Odds ratio generated from logistic regression was used to determine the strength of variables association.ResultsOlder age group (10-14 vs. 7-9) (AOR = 3.4; 95% CI, 1.7-6.6) and having Trichuris Trichura infection (AOR = 3.9; 95% CI, 1.4 -11.6) increased the risk of being stunted. Children whose mothers have completed primary education are less likely to be stunted than children whose mothers do not have formal education (AOR = 0.3; 95% CI, 0.2-0.8).Having large family size (AOR = 3.3; 95% CI, 1.4-7.9) and inadequate intake of carbohydrate (AOR = 3.1; 95% CI, 1.4-6.8) were independent predictors of wasting. Children whose mothers completed primary education are less likely to be underweight (AOR = 0.3; 95% CI, 0.1-0.9). Children live in food insecure households are more likely to be stunted, under-weight and wasted than children live in food secure households (AOR = 2.5; 95%, 1-5.6; AOR = 3.9; 95% CI, 1.2-12.0; AOR = 4.8; 95% CI, 1.7-13.6;).ConclusionHousehold food insecurity, low maternal education and infection with Trichuris trichura were some of the major factors contributing to under-nutrition in the study area.

In Ethiopia, adolescents have the lowest mortality, and, therefore, are of low priority for nutrition interventions. However, the prevalence of malnutrition and anemia remains high in adolescent girls. Pulse crops are important in Ethiopiaˈs small landholders’ agriculture practices offering enhanced food security. Using a cross‐sectional design, our IDRC‐CIDA community based study assessed the nutrition status, pulse consumption patterns, indigenous knowledge, and food security among adolescent girls (n=188, 15–19 y). The prevalence of stunting and underweight were 31% and 30%, respectively. The intakes of energy, calcium, vitamin C and zinc were 70%, 13%, 5% and 65% of requirements, respectively. From pulse foods, lentils (85%) haricot bean (59%), peas (51%), faba bean (36%) and chick pea (29%) were consumed once or more than once per day. The nutrient contribution of pulses for iron, protein, zinc and fiber was 10%, 20%, 80% and 18% respectively. For household food security, 13% were secure, 17% were mildly insecure, 54% were moderately insecure and the remaining 16% severely insecure. Girls were shorter than the 2007 WHO standards and the diets were grossly deficient in energy and other nutrients; yet, pulse foods offered a significant contribution to nutrient intake. The dietary practices, particularly the girls’ avoidance of milk and yogurt, contribute to the nutrient deficiencies. Programs to support adequate nutrition for adolescents would provide for a healthy transition to adulthood and be a step towards breaking the cycle of intergenerational malnutrition.