Abstract:
Background: Diarrhea is a leading cause of under-five mortality globally, especially in low-resource settings. Zinc supplementation is recommended to reduce the duration and severity of diarrheal episodes, yet utilization remains inconsistent across regions and is affected by many factors.
Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the utilization of zinc among under-five children with diarrhea and associated factors in Chiro town, West Hararghe Zone, Eastern Ethiopia from August 11 to 30, 2024.
Methods: a community-based cross-sectional study was conducted with 421 caregivers of under-five children with diarrhea, selected through systematic sampling. Data were collected using a structured pre-tested questionnaire, focusing on zinc use during diarrhea. The data were cleaned, coded, and entered Epi-data 3.1 then transferred and analyzed using SPSS v20. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed, reporting crude and adjusted odds ratios with 95% CI, with statistical significance at p < 0.05.
Results: A total of 417 mothers of under five children participated in the study, yielding a response rate of 99%. The study found that only 42.4% (n=177) of under-five children with diarrhea received zinc supplementation (95% CI: 38.2%-46.9%). Multivariable logistic regression identified several factors associated with zinc utilization: Mothers withhold food and fluids (AOR=0.173, 95% CI: 0.09-0.36), those with primary education (AOR=2.88, 95% CI: 1.52-5.46), attend at least secondary education (AOR=5.43, 95% CI: 2.75-10.70), and those with prior zinc experience (AOR=2.28, 95% CI: 1.35-3.84).
Conclusion: while zinc supplementation is essential for all children with diarrheal episodes, its utilization remains low and influenced by withholding food and fluid, maternal education, and prior zinc use. Enhancing health education and improving its access could improve utilization rates
