Gender and household structure factors associated with maternal and child undernutrition in rural communities in Ethiopia.

摘要: Addressing maternal and child undernutrition is a priority for the National Nutrition Program of Ethiopia. In cross-sectional design, we selected mother-child pairs (n = 630) from Halaba, south Ethiopia 413, two communities) Zeway, Oromiya region 217, one community). These communities were previously included in project to improve agricultural practices. We aimed estimate level study sites compare findings regional/national reports. also examined associations with gender, household-structure nutrition/health related variables. Households using simple random sampling based on list households obtained local health posts. Mothers interviewed via questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements taken mothers-child pairs. Maternal (% BMI<18.5) ranged moderate (14% Zeway) high (22% Halaba). children, stunting underweight very (54% 42% stunting, 36% 21% underweight, Halaba respectively). Up 95% 85% Zeway mothers reported "same as usual" or "less than consumption patterns during their most recent pregnancy compared periods non-pregnancy. (61% 18% abstaining certain nutritious foods cultural reasons. Gender socio-economic-demographic structure households, including imbalance power, control farm produce, physiological density, household size dietary habits showed significant (p<0.05). The levels undernutrition, particularly unexpected concern, given that national nutrition program has been place since 2008. provides insights policy makers women's education, reproductive services better family planning, strengthen programs designed target vulnerable segments population these other rural districts similar demographics