Undernutrition and its associated factors among children aged 6 to 59 months in Menz Gera Midir district, Northeast Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study.

Background: Undernutrition can lead to impaired physical growth, restricted intellectual skills, low school performance, reduced working capacity, and rooted disability in adult life. Thus, this study was designed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of undernutrition among children aged 6 to 59 months.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 432 children aged 6 to 59 months in the Menz Gera Midir District. A multi-stage sampling technique was applied to recruit the study participants. Socio-demographic and socio-economic variables were collected by using structured questionnaires. Anthropometric measurements of the children were measured according to the World Health Organization's recommendation. A data collection sheet was used to collect information on the types of foods and number of meals consumed by the child. A bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with undernutrition.

Result: In this study, about 11.3% (95% CI: 8.3-14.3%), 50.2% (95% CI: 45.5-55.0%), and 28% (95% CI: 23.8-32.3%) were wasted, stunted, and underweight, respectively. Children aged 12-23 months (AOR: 1.97; 95% CI: 1.01-3.87), 36-47 months (AOR: 2.05; 95% CI: 1.00-4.19), and being anemic (AOR: 2.92; 95% CI: 1.73-4.92) were found to be an independent predictor of stunting. Moreover, being anemic was found to be significantly associated with wasting (AOR: 6.84; 95% CI: 3.16-14.82).

Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, undernutrition was a serious public health issue among 6-59 month old children in the Menz Gera Midir District. Children's age and anemia status were significantly associated with stunting and wasting. Therefore, community-based nutrition programs are vital to reduce childhood undernutrition.