Dibisa Keneni Ephrem, Mengesha Gemechis, Kenea Getachew, Dinka Mengistu Tamiru, Fetensa Getahun
West Wollega Zonal Health Office, Oromia Regional Health Bureau, Gimbi, Ethiopia.
Department of Nursing, Institute of Health Sciences, Wollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia.
J Health Popul Nutr. 2025 Sep 2;44(1):319. doi: 10.1186/s41043-025-00928-w.
This study investigates acute malnutrition among children aged 6-59 months in conflict-affected districts of western Ethiopia. It addresses the lack of localized data by examining the prevalence and key contributing factors, including maternal health, child feeding practices, and healthcare access. Findings aim to inform targeted, multisectoral interventions to improve child nutrition in similar crisis-affected settings.
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June 1 to July 1, 2024, involving 513 children aged 6-59 months. A proportionate sample was selected from each Woreda using systematic sampling, with one child randomly chosen from households with multiple eligible children. Trained enumerators collected data using a pre-tested questionnaire, and nutritional status was assessed using mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) measurements. Data were entered into Epi-data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 25.0 for analysis. Descriptive statistics were performed, followed by bivariable and multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with acute malnutrition, with statistical significance declared at P-value < 0.05.
A total of 498 participants were included within the study with a response rate of 97%. The largest proportions (44.4%) were aged 24-59 months. Acute malnutrition prevalence was 20.7% [17.1% to 24.3%] with 6.2% having severe malnutrition and 14.5% moderate. Key risk factors for acute malnutrition included food insecurity with (AOR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.03-3.17), pre-lacteal feeding (AOR: 2.01, 95% CI: 1.09-3.68), maternal malnutrition (AOR: 4.11, 95% CI: 2.40-7.05), less than four antenatal visits of current child pregancy (AOR: 3.94, 95% CI: 1.64-9.45), and bottle-feeding (OR: 2.79, 95% CI: 1.51-5.14).
The severe burden of acute malnutrition demands immediate, comprehensive action. An integrated approach is essential, emphasizing improved access to nutritious food, strengthened maternal and child health services, and increased caregiver awareness. Key strategies include merging maternal and child health initiatives, encouraging exclusive breastfeeding, ensuring regular antenatal care, and promoting appropriate infant feeding. Together, these efforts can play a crucial role in lowering acute malnutrition rates and enhancing child health in the community.
本研究调查了埃塞俄比亚西部受冲突影响地区6至59个月大儿童的急性营养不良情况。通过研究患病率及关键影响因素，包括孕产妇健康、儿童喂养方式和医疗服务可及性，来解决当地数据匮乏的问题。研究结果旨在为在类似受危机影响地区改善儿童营养状况的针对性多部门干预措施提供依据。
2024年6月1日至7月1日开展了一项基于社区的横断面研究，涉及513名6至59个月大的儿童。采用系统抽样从每个沃雷达（Woreda）选取了一个比例样本，在有多个符合条件儿童的家庭中随机选择一名儿童。经过培训的调查员使用预先测试过的问卷收集数据，并通过测量上臂中部周长（MUAC）评估营养状况。数据录入Epi - data 3.1版本，并导出到SPSS 25.0版本进行分析。进行了描述性统计，随后进行双变量和多变量逻辑回归分析以确定与急性营养不良相关的因素，P值<0.05时具有统计学意义。
共有498名参与者纳入研究，应答率为97%。最大比例（44.4%）的儿童年龄在24至59个月之间。急性营养不良患病率为20.7%[17.1%至24.3%]，其中6.2%为重度营养不良，14.5%为中度营养不良。急性营养不良的关键风险因素包括粮食不安全（调整后比值比[AOR]：1.81，95%置信区间[CI]：1.03 - 3.17）、初乳前喂养（AOR：2.01，95% CI：1.09 - 3.68）、孕产妇营养不良（AOR：4.11，95% CI：2.40 - 7.05）、本次孕期产前检查次数少于4次（AOR：3.94，95% CI：1.64 - 9.45）以及奶瓶喂养（比值比[OR]：2.79，95% CI：1.51 - 5.14）。
急性营养不良的沉重负担需要立即采取全面行动。综合方法至关重要，要强调增加获得营养食品的机会、加强母婴健康服务以及提高照料者的意识。关键策略包括整合母婴健康倡议、鼓励纯母乳喂养、确保定期产前护理以及推广适当的婴儿喂养方式。这些努力共同作用，可在降低社区急性营养不良率和改善儿童健康方面发挥关键作用。
