The Burden of Undernutrition and Its Associated Factors Among Children Below 5 Years of Age in Bambao Region, Comoros

Abstract

Background: Undernutrition remains a major public health problem in low- and middle-income countries and Comoros is no exception. This study aimed to examine the prevalence and identify the risk factors of undernutrition among children under-five years in Bambao region, Comoros. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Bambao region among 837 under-five years and their caregivers. Analyses were conducted using both descriptive and logistic regression to examine the magnitude and factors associated with stunting, wasting and underweight. Results: Prevalence of stunting, wasting and underweight were 21.6, 13.7, and 13.6% respectively. Factors associated with stunting were caregiver's secondary education level compared to no education (AOR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.04–3.43, P < 0.04), age of child between 13–24 months compared to 0–12 months (AOR = 2.69, 95% CI: 1.44–5.01, P < 0.001), and food insecurity (AOR = 2.55, 95% CI: 1.20–5.41, P < 0.02). Children aged 25–59 months were 78% less likely to have wasting compared to those with 0–12 months (AOR = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.10–0.51, P < 0.001). Wasting was also associated with food insecurity (AOR = 2.70, 95% CI: 1.12–6.49, P < 0.03), and low birthweight (AOR = 3.21, 95% CI: 1.73–5.94, P < 0.001). Children aged between 25–59 months were 86% less likely to have underweight compared to those aged 0–12 months (AOR = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.06–0.36, P < 0.001). Food insecurity (AOR = 2.65, 95% CI: 1.08–6.54, P < 0.03), low birthweight (AOR = 3.15, 95% CI: 1.67–5.93, P < 0.001), and non-exclusively breastfeeding (AOR = 2.37, 95% CI: 1.15–4.90, P < 0.02) were also associated with underweight. Conclusion: More than one in five children under-five is stunted in Bambao region, Comoros. Moreover, more than 13% are underweight or wasted calling for streamlined efforts to address poor feeding practices, food insecurity, low birthweight, and socio-demographic disadvantages in this and other areas with similar context.