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Severe acute malnutrition and associated factors among children under-five years: A community based-cross sectional

Anchamo Anato1

  • 1School of Nutrition, Food Science and Technology, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia.

Heliyon
|October 7, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) affects 8% of Ethiopian children under five. Larger families, younger children (6-11 months), and recent diarrhea increase SAM risk, necessitating targeted interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Pediatrics
  • Nutrition Science

Background:

  • Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) remains a significant threat to child survival and development in Ethiopia.
  • Undernutrition, particularly SAM, presents a persistent challenge despite ongoing reduction efforts.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify the prevalence of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) among children aged 6-59 months in Ethiopia.
  • To determine factors associated with SAM in this vulnerable population.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted with 384 children under five in Ethiopia from February to March 2020.
  • Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), weight, and length/height measurements were collected.
  • Multivariable analysis was used to identify independent predictors of SAM, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of acute undernutrition was 26%, with 8% of children experiencing severe acute malnutrition (SAM).
  • Independent factors associated with SAM included larger family size (≥5 members), younger age (6-11 months), and a history of diarrhea in the preceding two weeks.

Conclusions:

  • Large family size, young child age, diarrheal episodes, and household insecurity are key determinants of SAM.
  • Recommendations include integrating social protection programs, enhancing health interventions, promoting optimal breastfeeding, controlling child morbidity, and strengthening family planning services to mitigate SAM.
Abstract

Keywords:
EthiopiaFactorsSAMSeqota districtUnder-five children

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