article · International Journal of General Medicine
A community-based study in Debre Berhan Town, Ethiopia, evaluated the prevalence and determinants of undernutrition among children under five years of age. Surveying 385 children using physical measurements and questionnaires between late 2019 and early 2020, the investigation recorded an overall undernutrition prevalence of 15.8 per cent. Stunting was observed in 41 per cent of children, wasting in 33 per cent, and 26 per cent were underweight, reflecting rates higher than regional and national benchmarks. Analysis revealed that maternal illiteracy, non-exclusive breastfeeding, preterm birth, lack of antenatal care, and childhood illnesses such as diarrhoea contributed to poor nutritional status. The findings point to the necessity of improved antenatal services, targeted maternal education on child nutrition, and robust disease prevention measures.
Malnutrition in early childhood can permanently impair physical growth and cognitive development. By measuring local rates and uncovering direct contributors, such as inadequate antenatal care and infant infections, health authorities gain clear targets for community-level support. These insights highlight where maternal education and preventative primary care are most urgently required to safeguard vulnerable children.
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BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is a deficiency or improper intake of energy and nutrients. It includes undernutrition (wasting, stunting, underweight, and mineral and vitamin-related malnutrition) and overnutrition. PURPOSE: To estimate the prevalence and identify the risk factors for undernutrition among under-five children in Debre Berhan Town, North Shewa, Ethiopia. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Debre Berhan Town, from October 07, 2019 to January 24, 2020. Three hundred and eighty-five under-five children who were selected using systematic random sampling technique were included in this study. To collect data, a structured questionnaire and anthropometrical measurements were used. Data entry was done through Epi data 4.21, and for data analysis statistical package for social sciences version 20.0 was employed. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors associated with malnutrition. The statistical significance was stated at p value <0.05 with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: In the overall sample the total prevalence of undernutrition in below age-5 children was 61 (15.8%), the corresponding figures for underweight, stunted, and wasting were 26%, 41%, and 33%, respectively. Factors that contributed to under-five undernutrition were maternal illiteracy, not breastfeeding exclusively, preterm birth, absence of antenatal care, exposure to infectious diseases and diarrhea. CONCLUSION: There was a higher prevalence of stunting (41%), wasting (33%), and being underweight (26%) in Debre Berhan town than the national (Ethiopia) or regional (Amhara) malnutrition prevalence. Mothers' educational status should be improved by teaching them that proper nutrition is important for their child's growth and development. Antenatal care for all pregnant women, education on child care, infection prevention, and child feeding should be provided and further strengthened.
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DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s307026
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