Abstract:
Background: Underweight is a form of undernutrition when body weight for height (body mass
index) is less than 18.5 kg/m2. Globally, approximately 170 million women (9.1 per cent) are
underweight and more than 3.5 million women in developing countries die each year due to the
underlying cause of undernutrition. Lactating women are at high risk of underweight due to the
extra calories and nutrients required for breastfeeding, and face nutritional risks from inadequate
food consumption, limited access, and lack of variety, health services, and infectious diseases.
Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of underweight and its associated
factors among lactating women in Wonchi district, central Ethiopia.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 423 randomly
selected lactating women from May 1 to June 15 2023. Data were collected by using, structured,
and pretested questionnaire through interviewer-administered methods. Anthropometric
measurements weights, and height, were measured by using standardized and calibrated
instruments. Data were entered into Epi Info version 7 and exported to SPSS version 25 for
further analysis. Descriptive statistics, bivariable, and multivariable binary logistic regression
analysis were done. Finally a P-value of < 0.05 at 95% CI, AOR was used to consider the
statistical significance. Model fitness was checked by Hosmer-Lemeshow test Goodness of fit.
Results: From a total of 427 calculated sample sizes, 423 study participants participated with a
99% response rate. The prevalence of underweight was 22.5%, CI: [16.6, 26.2] Maternal
underweight was significantly associated with being age greater than 35 years (AOR=3.97 ,95%
CI (1.50-10.50) , among unable to read and write (AOR=3.12;95% CI, (1.44-7.07), no ANC
contact (AOR=3.47,95% CI, (1.40-8.57), being food insecure household (AOR=3.05,95% CI
(1.54-6.05)), low meal frequency (AOR=2.36 ,95% CI (1.3-4.27)) and having low dietary
diversity score (AOR=4.6;CI 95%, (2.43-8.70).
Conclusion and recommendation: - While underweight among lactating women was relatively
similar with the average national prevalence of underweight among reproductive women in this
study, it remains a critical concern, particularly within lactating women. District health office has
to make strong multi-sectorial collaborations to improve lactating women’s underweight, by
providing health education on dietary fortification, adequate intake and effective household food
security interventions
