Child Feeding Practice and Primary Health Care as Major Correlates of Stunting and Underweight among 6- to 23-Month-Old Infants and Young Children in Food-Insecure Households in Ethiopia

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Child undernutrition is a major public health problem in Ethiopia. Stunting is highest in food-insecure areas and insufficient evidence may impair the design of suitable interventions. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to identify key factors contributing to undernutrition among 6- to 23-mo-old children. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study in food-insecure areas of Amhara and Oromia regions in April-June, 2018, enrolled 464 mother-child dyads. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Our findings support the need to emphasize appropriate child feeding practices and iodized salt utilization. Improvement of primary health care services related to micronutrient supplementation and family spacing also are important to address child undernutrition in the study area.