PREVALENCE OF UNDER NUTRITION AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG LACTATING MOTHERS IN SELECTED HEALTH CENTERS IN ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA, 2023

Abstract

Abstract Background: Under nutrition during lactation is one of the determinants of women's health and the health of the next generation. Undernutrition of lactating mothers not only affects milk composition and production but also the health of the mothers and their infants. Objectives: This study aimed to assess prevalence of under nutrition and associated factors among lactating mothers in selected health centers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in, 2023. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 01 to August 01, 2023, in Addis Ababa, among 632 participants selected from nine health centers. Participants were selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews and anthropometric measurements. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression were employed with a 95% confidence interval identified variables with a p-value of 0.05 as statistically significant independent predictors of under nutrition among lactating mothers. Results: With about 92% response rate, this study revealed that 200(31.6%) of participants were undernourished. Factors associated with under nutrition included lack of formal education (AOR=1.2, p=0.021, CI = 0.04-2.77), being single (AOR=3.9, p=0.022, CI = 1.39-7.75), and absence of ANC follow-up (AOR=3.9, p=0.006, CI = 1.49-10.12). Mothers with daily eating frequencies of two times (AOR=5, p=0.001, CI = 3.55-12.77) and three times (AOR=3, p=0.001, CI = 2.44-8.58) showed strong associations with under nutrition. Additionally, households experiencing food insecurity had higher odds of under nutrition (AOR=3.7, p=0.001, CI = 1.92-10.8). Conclusion: The findings indicate that approximately one-third (31.6%) of the lactating mothers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, are undernourished. This prevalence is significantly higher than the threshold recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), which is typically set at 15% for vulnerable populations. Key words: Body Mass Index, Dietary Diversity, Food insecurity, Lactating mothers, Maternal Nutrition, Prevalence, Undernutrition.