Geospatial Distribution and Determinants of Undernutrition Among Children Under Five in Oromia Regional State,
Tesfaye Getachew Charkos1, Godana Arero1, Meyrema Abdo1
1School of Public Health, Adama Hospital Medical College, Adama, Oromia, Ethiopia.
Insights
Malnutrition remains high in Ethiopia, with stunting affecting 36.29% and wasting 4.9% of children under five. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) identified high-risk areas for stunting and wasting in Oromia, guiding targeted interventions.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Geospatial Analysis
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Malnutrition is a critical global health issue, particularly impacting children under five, with Ethiopia facing severe regional disparities.
- High rates of child morbidity and mortality are linked to malnutrition, necessitating localized data for effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To utilize Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for identifying high-risk 'hotspot' areas for childhood stunting and wasting in Ethiopia's Oromia Regional State.
- To determine the key demographic, socioeconomic, and environmental factors associated with stunting and wasting in children under five.
Main Methods:
- A community-based cross-sectional study using data from the 2019 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) involving 653 children under five.
- Geospatial analysis with ArcGis 10.7 to map malnutrition hotspots, complemented by Bayesian logistic regression to identify associated risk factors.
- Statistical significance was determined using a p-value < 0.05.
Main Results:
- The study revealed a 36.29% prevalence of stunting and 4.9% prevalence of wasting among children under five in Oromia.
- Hotspot analysis identified Guji Zone and East Hararge as high-risk areas for stunting, and specific zones within them for wasting.
- Factors significantly associated with stunting included rural residence, maternal education, child's age, birth interval, water source, and wealth index. Wasting was associated with maternal age, rural residence, marital status, birth interval, and number of children.
Conclusions:
- Childhood stunting and wasting remain significant public health challenges in the Oromia Regional State.
- A comprehensive strategy integrating education, improved water access, socioeconomic development, and targeted health programs is crucial for reducing childhood malnutrition.
- GIS mapping effectively highlights geographical disparities, enabling focused interventions in high-prevalence zones.
Abstract:
Background: Malnutrition is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five, with significant regional disparities, particularly in Ethiopia, being very high. This study aims to use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to identify hotspot areas and associated factors for stunting and wasting among children under five in Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted. Data were obtained from the 2019 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS). A total of 653 children under five years old were included in this study. The data were collected using a multistage sampling technique to select the study participants. ArcGis Version 10.7 was used for geospatial analysis. A Bayesian logistic regression model was used to determine the associated factors for undernutrition. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Overall, the prevalence of stunting and wasting was 36.29% and 4.9%, respectively. In hotspot analysis, both Guji Zone and East Hararge were at high risk of stunting among children under 5 years. Eastern Guji (Gora Dola) and Eastern Hararge (Goro Muti and Meta) areas were at high risk for wasting children under 5 years old. In the adjusted model, being rural residents, mothers who had attended a secondary/above school, children aged 24-35 and 36-47 months, a preceding birth interval > 48 months, using a protected water source, and wealth index were significantly associated with stunting among children under five years. Similarly, mothers aged 25-35 years, rural residents, married women, preceding birth intervals > 48 months, and having more than three children were significantly associated with wasting among children under 5 years. Conclusion: The prevalence of stunting and wasting among children under 5 years remains high in the study setting. These findings suggest that a multifaceted approach addressing education, water access, socioeconomic conditions, and targeted health interventions for high-risk populations is essential to reducing stunting and wasting among children under 5 years old in Oromia Regional State.
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