Prevalence of stunting and associated factors among children of age 0 to 23 months in west Amhara Region, Ethiopia, 2015

Abstract

Background: Children are most vulnerable to stunting in developing countries because of lack of food security, distance of fetch water, low dietary intakes, in balanced complementary feeding. Stunting In Ethiopia, identified as 38% of children under age 5 are stunted or too short for their age, and 18% severely stunted, in Amhara National region state 46% are stunted children under five. Objective: To determine the prevalence of stunting and associated factors among Children age 0 -23 Months in West Amhara Region, Ethiopia 2015. Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted 2015 in West Amhara Region, Ethiopia. Data were collected from 3121 households with children age 0-23 months using pre tested structured questionnaires and measuring weight and height of children. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used using SPSS version 20 computer software to see the relevant associations. Anthropometric data were also converted into indices of nutritional status using Nutrition Assessment for antro-special software, 2011. Result: A total of 3121 households were included in the study giving the response rate 100%. The prevalence of stunting25.1% (95% CI: 0.23-0.26) among the various socio - demographic and child health and care practices characteristics considered, age of the child 06-11 months (AOR= 3.07; (95%CI: 2.12–4.43) significantly associated with stunting. Education of mother, marital status, food security, complementary feeding >6 month (AOR=1.10 ; (95% CI: 0.68 – 1.77), Frequency of Breast feeding 0-10 times (AOR= 0.70; (95%CI: 0.46 – 1.08) were independently associated with stunting. Conclusion and Recommendation: The prevalence rate of stunting in the study area was found one forth. This needs appropriate factor specific interventions to verify improving complimentary feeding. And also I recommend to that to create awareness appropriate complementary feeding in community and give attention to children. ..................................... Thesis available at ACIPH Library