Nutritional status among orphans and vulnerable children aged 6 to 59 months in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a
Nina Berr1, Yemisrach Nigatu2, Nebiyu Dereje3
1Department of Medicine, Myungsung Medical College/Myungsung Christian Medical Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Insights
Childhood undernutrition is a major global issue, especially affecting orphans and vulnerable children (OVC). This study found high rates of stunting, wasting, and underweight in Ethiopian OVC, highlighting critical unmet nutritional needs.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Childhood undernutrition is a leading cause of mortality in children under five globally.
- Orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) experience disproportionately worse nutritional outcomes.
- The specific nutritional and healthcare needs of OVC in Ethiopia remain under-recognized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the nutritional status of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in Ethiopia.
- To identify factors associated with undernutrition, particularly stunting, in this vulnerable population.
- To provide evidence for targeted nutritional interventions for OVC in Ethiopia.
Main Methods:
- A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 584 OVC aged 6 to 59 months in Ethiopia.
- Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires and anthropometric measurements.
- Prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight was determined using WHO Z-score cut-offs; multivariable logistic regression identified factors associated with stunting.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight among OVC was 35.1%, 4.7%, and 12.0%, respectively.
- Significant factors associated with stunting included delayed complementary feeding, household food insecurity, and unplanned pregnancy.
- Other significant factors for stunting were child's age (≥2 years) and caretaker characteristics (age ≤25 years, employment status).
Conclusions:
- Undernutrition rates among Ethiopian OVC significantly exceed national estimates.
- Interventions must prioritize household food security and enhance caretaker awareness regarding child feeding and family planning.
- Policy and programming should address the critical unmet nutritional needs of OVC in Ethiopia.
Background:
Childhood undernutrition is a global problem contributing to more than a third of under-five mortality. Orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) fare worse than children living with their parents. However, the nutritional and healthcare needs of OVC are under-recognized in Ethiopia.
Methods:
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among OVC aged 6 to 59 months. Multi-stage sampling technique was applied to select the households and eligible children included in the study (n = 584). An interviewer-administered questionnaire and anthropometric measurements were carried out. The proportions of stunting, wasting and underweight were determined based on the WHO Z-score cut-off. Factors associated with stunting were identified by Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis.
Results:
The prevalence of stunting, wasting and underweight were 35.1% (95% CI; 31.3-39.1%), 4.7% (95% CI; 3.2-6.7%) and 12.0% (95% CI; 9.6-14.9%), respectively. Stunting was significantly associated with initiation of complementary feeding after 12 months of age (AOR = 3.61; 95% CI 1.16-14.11), household food insecurity (AOR = 1.90; 95% CI 1.10-3.17), unplanned pregnancy (AOR = 1.90; 95% CI 1.03-3.42), age ≥ 2 years (AOR = 1.80; 95% CI 1.25-2.67), caretaker's age ≤ 25 years (AOR = 1.50; 95% CI 1.03-2.16) and employment of the caretaker (AOR = 1.50; 95% CI 1.03-2.26).
Conclusion:
The prevalence of all forms of undernutrition among OVC was significantly higher than the national estimate that has been reported by consecutive Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys (EDHS). Policy makers and programmers working on nutritional interventions should give due emphasis to address the unmet need of OVC and focus on interventions which enhance household food security and caretaker's awareness on child feeding and pregnancy planning.
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