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Anthropometric study of Ethiopian pre-school children
Insights
High rates of stunting (43%) and wasting (9%) were found in Ethiopian children under 5. Malnutrition was most prevalent in toddlers aged 12-23 months, necessitating urgent nutritional interventions.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Childhood malnutrition remains a significant public health concern in many developing regions.
- Ethiopia faces persistent challenges in achieving optimal nutritional status for its young population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the nutritional status of children under 5 years of age in north western Ethiopia.
- To determine the prevalence of stunting and wasting in the study population.
Main Methods:
- A community-based, cross-sectional anthropometric study was conducted.
- 1,422 children under 5 years were enrolled.
- Nutritional status was assessed using height-for-age and weight-for-height indices compared to NCHS/WHO reference data.
Main Results:
- 43% of children exhibited stunting (height-for-age below -2 SD).
- 9% of children presented with wasting (weight-for-height below -2 SD).
- The highest prevalence of both stunting and wasting was observed in the 12-23 months age group.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights a high burden of malnutrition among children under 5 in north western Ethiopia.
- Urgent nutritional rehabilitation and education are crucial to address malnutrition and identify associated risk factors.
Abstract:
A community based cross sectional anthropometric study was conducted to assess the nutritional status of children under 5 years of age in north western Ethiopia. One thousand four hundred and twenty two children were enrolled in the study. Stunting which is expressed by height for age below -2 standard deviation (SD) was seen in 43% of the children. The prevalence of wasting which is expressed by weight for height below -2 SD was 9%. The highest percentages of stunting and wasting were found in the age group 12-23 months. Compared with the national Center for Health Statistics (USA)/World health organization (NCHS/WHO) reference data all the indicators were shifted to the left. Urgent nutritional rehabilitation for those that are wasted, proper nutritional education for reducing the high prevalence of malnutrition and identifying risk factors for the poor nutritional status is suggested.