Abstract:
Background: Unhealthy weight control practice is a problem that commonly characterized by calorie restriction and nutrition imbalance which increasing the risk of anemia and dehydration that affects postpartum women, disturb healthy growth and development of child in both developed and developing countries. The magnitude of unhealthy weight control practices among postpartum women hasn’t been studied yet in the current study area.
Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of unhealthy weight control practice and associated factors among postpartum women at public health facilities in Ambo Town, Oromia, Ethiopia, 2024.
Methods: Institution based cross sectional study was conducted among 392 postpartum women selected by systematic random sampling techniques at public health facilities in Ambo town from January 20 to February 19, 2024. Data were collected using pretested structured questionnaire by face-to-face interview and the collected data were entered into Epi Data version 4.6.0.6, and then exported to SPSS version 26 for data cleaning and analysis. Descriptive statistics was described by using mean, standard deviation, frequency, percentage, tables and graphs. An adjusted odds ratio with 95% CI and P-value were used to assess the strength of association. Finally, variables in multivariable logistic regression with a p value < 0.05 have been declared as statistically significant factors.
Result: The magnitude of unhealthy weight control practice among postpartum women in the last 30 days was 19.6 % (95% CI: 15.8, 23.9). Being overweight (AOR = 3.376; 95% CI: 1.368, 8.331), perceived overweight (AOR = 2.938; 95% CI: 1.213, 7.116), secondary educational level status (AOR = 0.394; 95% CI: 0.170, 0.916) and being in 3 months of postpartum period (AOR = 0.407; 95% CI: 0.173, 0.959) were factors significantly associated with unhealthy weight control practice.
Conclusion and recommendation: The magnitude of unhealthy weight control practice among postpartum women was high as of Ambo town. Being overweight, perceived overweight, secondary educational level status and being in 3 months of postpartum period were found to have association with unhealthy weight control practice. Therefore, public health facilities play a crucial role by giving special attention and promote a healthy lifestyle for postpartum women
