Abstract:
Background: Proper nutrition, sufficient physical activity, and optimal muscle strength are
essential for the healthy growth and development of children. However, in many low- and middle
income countries, including Ethiopia, childhood malnutrition and physical inactivity continue to
pose serious public health challenges. Children aged 5–12 years are particularly vulnerable, yet this
age group is often underrepresented in research and health assessments.
Despite these, there is lack of data in the study area that assesses nutritional status, physical
activity, and grip strength among children aged 5-12 years.
Objective: To assess nutritional status, physical activity, and grip strength among children aged 5
12 years in Jimma town, Oromia, Ethiopia, 2025.
Method: Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June 1st to June 30th, 2025.
The study included 768 children, and a multistage sampling technique was used to select kebele.
Descriptive statistics was applied to summarize anthropometric measures, physical activity, and
grip strength.Data Entered to Epi-data 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 25 for binary and
multivariate logistic regression analysis. To identify factors associated with outcome variable,
candidate variables was fitted into multivariable analysis and those with p-values <0.05 was
considered statistically significant.
Results: A total of 768 children participated. The prevalence of stunting and thinness was 20.4%
and 11.3%, respectively. Children from rich households had 43% lower odds of stunting (AOR =
0.57; 95% CI: 0.33–0.98), and paternal literacy reduced stunting by 51% (AOR = 0.49; 95% CI:
0.25–0.95). Non-exclusive breastfeeding increased the odds of stunting by 1.45 times (AOR = 1.45;
95% CI: 1.01–2.09). Older children had higher odds of thinness (AOR = 0.67; 95% CI: 0.50–0.89),
while children of divorced mothers were 2.6 times more likely to be thin (AOR = 2.64; 95% CI:
0.93–7.51).
Conclusion: Malnutrition remains a significant problem among school-aged children in Jimma
Town. Socioeconomic status, paternal education, exclusive breastfeeding, and health status were the
key determinants of child nutrition and muscular fitness. Improving household income, promoting
optimal infant feeding, and strengthening school-based nutrition programs are essential to enhance
child growth and physical development.
