Factors associated with nutritional status of infants and young children in Somali Region, Ethiopia: a cross- sectional study

• DOI: 10.1186/s12889-015-2190-7
• Publication Date: 2015-09-01T14:50:36Z
• Authors: Yirgu Fekadu; Addisalem Mesfin; Demewoz Haile; Barbara J. Stoecker
• Keywords: Somali; Underweight; Cross-sectional study; Odds

Inadequate nutrition during the first two years of life may lead to childhood morbidity and mortality, as well inadequate brain development. Infants are at increased risk malnutrition by six months, when breast milk alone is no longer sufficient meet their nutritional requirements. However factors associated with status infants after 6 months age have received little attention in pastoralist communities Ethiopia. Therefore this study aimed identify young children (6–23 months) Filtu town, Somali Region, A cross-sectional community-based was conducted. Simple random sampling employed select 214 for study. Univariable multivariable logistic regressions models were used statistical analysis. The strength association measured odds ratios 95 % confidence intervals. Both crude (COR) adjusted (AOR) reported. prevalence wasting, stunting underweight among 17.5 (95 CI: 12.91-23.22), 22.9 17.6-28.9) 19.5 14.58-25.3) respectively. regression model showed that breastfeeding independently reduced wasting (AOR = 0.38(95 0.14-0.99)). Diarrhea past 15 days 2.13 1.55-4.69)) also wasting. independent predictors dietary diversity score ≥4 0.45(95 0.21-0.95)) introduction complementary feeding 0.25 0.09-0.66)). Bottle 3.83 1.69-8.67)). Breastfeeding 0.24 0.1-0.59)), while diarrheal disease 3.54 1.17-7.72)). Under a public health problem region lower higher underweight. Low scores, inappropriate initiation bottle identified be significant stunting. Those should considered any intervention reduce under Filitu region,