Prevalence of malnutrition and associated risk factors among under-five children in Amhara Region, Ethiopia: evidence from 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey

Abstract

Background Childhood malnutrition is the most widely prevalent among under-five children in Amhara Region, Ethiopia. This study intended to explore the major determinants of malnutrition and its association with anemia among under-five children in Amhara Region, Ethiopia.Methods The data from the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey were used. A total of 977 under-five children were included in this analysis. A multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was used at a 5% level of significance to determine the individual- and community-level factors associated with childhood malnutrition. Results The prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight were 46.3%, 9.8%, and 28.4%, respectively. About 23.1% of children were both stunting and underweight, 7.3% were both underweight and wasting, and only 4.5% of children had all the three conditions. Among the factors considered in this study, Age of child in months, size of child at birth, mother highest education level, sex of household head, sources of drinking water, and type of toilet facility were significantly associated with malnutrition in Amhara Region. Conclusion Malnutrition among under-five children was one of the public health problems in the Amhara Region. The influence of these factors should be considered to develop strategies for reducing malnutrition in Amhara Region. Finally improving the living standards of the children is important to get better health care, to enhance the child’s nutritional status, and reduce child mortality.

Stunting and Its Associated Factors Among Children Age 6-59 Months at Debre Tabor Town, Northwest Ethiopia, 2019; a Community Based Cross-sectional Study

“…Communities of Afar Regional State, Ethiopia 43.1% [21], Amhara regional state, Ethiopia 46.3% [22] and Bule Hora, Ethiopia 47.6% [23].…”