Browsing by Author "METASEBIA TESFAYE"

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    UNDERNUTRITION AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG ADOLESCENT GIRLS ATTENDING GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS IN ASELLA TOWN, OROMIA REGION, ETHIOPIA: A MIXED METHOD STUDY
    (2025-05-01) METASEBIA TESFAYE
    Abstract Background: Undernutrition is a consequence of a deficiency in nutrient intake and/or absorption in the body or it can result from a disease or infection that affects nutritional intake or metabolism. Adolescent undernutrition including stunting and thinness remains a significant public health problem in low- and middle-income settings. Objective: This study aimed to assess undernutrition and associated factors among adolescent girls attending government schools in Asella town, Oromia, Ethiopia. Methods: school-based mixed method cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 618 adolescents were enrolled in the study. Structured interview administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Height-for-age and body mass index-for-age z-score were calculated using WHO antroplus software as indicators of stunting and thinness respectively. Descriptive statistics, bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis were done. Statistically significant associations of variables were determined based on the Adjusted Odds ratio with its 95% confidence interval (AOR, CI) and p-value of ≤ 0.05. Qualitative data was collected through Focus Group Discussions with adolescent girls. Result: The prevalence of stunting and thinness among adolescent girls was 15.5% (95%CI= 12.6%-18.4%) and thinness was 11.3% (95%CI= 8.8%-13.8%) respectively. Being in older age, larger family size, lack of nutrition information and poor handwashing practices associated with stunting. Thinness was associated with consuming fewer than three meals per day, delayed menarche, and low awareness on the importance of good nutrition. Qualitative findings revealing limited nutrition knowledge, inconsistent hygiene practices and household food availability and meal frequency as major contributors to undernutrition. Conclusion: Adolescent girls’ undernutrition is a public health problem in the study area. Adolescent undernutrition is influenced by interconnected factors. Interventions targeting nutrition education, improved hygiene practices, menstrual health support, and household-level food access are crucial to improving adolescent nutritional outcomes. Keywords: adolescents, stunting, thinness, mixed-methods, nutrition, Asella, Ethiopia