Prevalence and Determinants of Child Malnutrition

Child malnutrition is one of the most serious public
health problems in the developing world including
Ethiopia. National survey results often do not show
underlying variation of these nutritional indicators
by localities.

The main objective of this study was therefore to
assess the prevalence of child malnutrition and
identify these various causes in urban and rural
settings of Gimbi District, Western Ethiopia.

A comparative cross sectional study was conducted in
the study area on children of age 6-59 months in

2007. A multistage systematic sampling method was
      employed to collect quantitative data using
      structured questionnaire and anthropometric
      measurements. The study variables include;
      environmental, socio-economic and demographic, child
      and maternal characteristics.

      Data were processed using Epi-info soft ware and
      analyzed using SPSS program. NCHS reference
      population standard of WHO used to convert height
      and weight measurements into Z-scores. Bivariate and
      multivariate logistic regression analysis was used
      to identify determinants of nutritional status and
      to account for potential confounding factors.

      Autorentext

      MPH graduate from Addis Ababa University in 2007 and Honors Degree graduate of Environmental health from Jimma University in 2000, Ethiopia. Have ten years experience in public health related field working for Oromiya regional health bureau, Oxfam America and GB, and as private consultant for NGO's project baseline assessment and evaluation.

      Klappentext

      Child malnutrition is one of the most serious public health problems in the developing world including Ethiopia. National survey results often do not show underlying variation of these nutritional indicators by localities. The main objective of this study was therefore to assess the prevalence of child malnutrition and identify these various causes in urban and rural settings of Gimbi District, Western Ethiopia. A comparative cross sectional study was conducted in the study area on children of age 6-59 months in 2007. A multistage systematic sampling method was employed to collect quantitative data using structured questionnaire and anthropometric measurements. The study variables include; environmental, socio-economic and demographic, child and maternal characteristics. Data were processed using Epi-info soft ware and analyzed using SPSS program. NCHS reference population standard of WHO used to convert height and weight measurements into Z-scores. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify determinants of nutritional status and to account for potential confounding factors.