Abstract:
Undernutrition remains a pervasive problem in developing countries, where poverty is a basic
determinant contributing to household food insecurity, poor child care, maternal undernutrition,
unhealthy environments, and poor health care. The prevalence of chronic malnutrition among
under-five children remains persistently high in Ethiopia. According to the last Ethiopian
Demographic Health Survey, nearly half (47 percent) of Ethiopian children were stunted, 11
percent wasted, and 38 percent underweight. All ages are at risk of nutritional deficiencies, but
the period from pregnancy to two years of age provides a crucial window of opportunity to
minimize undernutrition and its adverse effect. It is during this time that proven nutrition
interventions can offer children the best chance to survive and reach optimal growth, health and
development. This study aims to assess the nutritional status and dietary diversity of under-two
children and identify predictors of nutritional status of under-two children in three districts of
Jimma zone, Southwest Ethiopia (namely Dedo, Omo-Nada and Mana). A cross-sectional study
was conducted with a total of 558 mothers and their index children aged 0-24 months. All
mothers from selected kebelles were included in the study through simple random sampling
technique. Structured interview was conducted and mothers were asked about the
socioeconomic, demographic and dietary conditions. Height and weights of under-two children
were measured and converted to Z-Scores using WHO Antro2004. A multivariable logistic
regression technique was used to analyze the data with 95% CI. Of the 558 children in the study
73 (13.1%), 142 (25.4%) and 54 (9.7%) were underweight, stunted and wasted respectively. Risk
factors for stunting include gender, age, place of residence and complementary feeding. Urban
children were more likely to be stunted as compared to their rural counterparts and male
children were more likely to be stunted as compared to their female counterparts. Majority of
children were exclusively breastfed and the diets of children in age group of 7-24 were
predominantly based on starchy staples (Atmit) which was poor in nutrient density and the
dietary diversity score was extremely low and children did not achieve recommended feeding
frequency for their age. There is a high prevalence of stunting among under-two children in
Jimma Zone and this is mainly associated with poor complementary feeding practice. So,
Complementary feeding improvement should be of highest priority for nutrition of infant and
young children because of its crucial role in preventing mortality and enhancing child
development.
