UNDER NUTRITION AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG 6-59 MONTHS OLD CHILDREN FROM MOTHER-TO MOTHER SUPPORT GROUP PARTICIPANTS COMPARED TO NON- PARTICIPANT MOTHERS IN GUMBI BORDODE DISTRICT, OROMIA REGION, EASTERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Background: Malnutrition is a major global health problem and remains a critical concern in low-income countries. Community-based nutrition interventions, such as Mother-to-Mother Support Groups (MtMSGs), are recognized as effective strategies to improve child nutrition. However, evidence comparing under nutrition among children of MtMSGs participants versus non-participants remains limited, particularly in Ethiopia. Objective: This study aimed to assess under nutrition and associated factors among 6-59 months old children from MtMSGs participants compared to non participant in Gumbi Bordode district, Oromia region, eastern Ethiopia, from September1 to 15/2024. Methods: A community-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 396 randomly selected mothers/caregivers (198 MtMSGS participants and 198 non-participants). Data were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. Data were entered into Epi Data 4.6 and analyzed using SPSS 26. Nutritional status (Z-scores) was computed using WHO Anthro Analyzer. Binary logistic regression was applied to identify factors associated with undernutrition. Associations were declared statistically significant at p < 0.05. Results: The overall prevalence of undernutrition among children aged 6–59 months was 50.0% (95% CI: 45.6–54.4). Undernutrition was lower among MtMSGs participant households 46.7% (95% CI: 40.46–52.98) compared to non participants 53.3% (95% CI: 47.02–59.54). The prevalence of stunting, underweight, and wasting was 41.9%, 37.4%, and 20.7%, respectively. Children from non-participant mothers had higher odds of stunting (AOR = 2.82; 95% CI: 1.38–5.78) and wasting (AOR = 2.84; 95% CI: 1.52–5.30) compared to children of MtMSGs participants. Conclusion: Undernutrition in the study area is alarmingly high, with stunting, underweight, and wasting levels meeting WHO classifications of very high and critical. Children of non-participant mothers were more vulnerable, highlighting the importance of expanding MtMSGS programs.