Articles
Under Nutrition and its Associated Factors among Lactating Mothers in Rural Ambo District, West Shewa Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia
- Journal East African Journal of Health and Biomedical Sciences
- Issue Vol 1 No 1 (2016): East African Journal of Health and Biomedical Sciences
- Published
- ISSN 2519-917X
Abstract
Background: Lactation has different effects on maternal nutritional status. Even though, growing number of studies reported the existence of maternal under nutrition, very few studies in Ethiopia highlighted under nutrition among lactating mothers.
Objective: To assess the prevalence of under nutrition and associated factors among lactating mothers in rural areas of Ambo district, West Shewa zone, Oromia region, Ethiopia, 2016.
Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 619 lactating mothers. A pretested and structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic data. Weight, height and Mid Upper Arm Circumference were measured. Body Mass Index was measured to assess the nutritional status. Descriptive statistics was used to describe the data. Binary logistic regression was performed to assess the association between each independent and dependent variable. Adjusted Odds Ratios with its 95% confidence interval were estimated to identify factors associated with the outcome variable in multivariable logistic regression.
Results: The overall prevalence of under nutrition (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2) was 21.5%. Lactating mothers within the age group of 17-25 were more likely to be undernourished than those mothers in the age group of 36-49 (AOR=6.82, 95%CI: 1.84, 25.27). Mothers who were unable to read and write (AOR=2.45, 95%CI: 1.22, 4.94) and from poor wealth index (AOR=1.76, 95% CI: 1.05, 2.95) were also more likely to be undernourished than those who had formal education and rich mothers, respectively.
Conclusion: One fifth of lactating mothers were undernourished. Thus, strengthening health education on proper maternal and child dietary practices and the need of adequate dietary intake during lactation should be emphasized. Additionally, strong multi-sectorial collaboration targeted at improving women’s status in the community is very essential in order to improve health and nutritional outcomes of lactating women.