Generalized structural equation modeling of direct and indirect determinants of chronic undernutrition among under-five children in Ethiopia: further analysis of the 2019 mini Ethiopian demographic and health survey

The study found out determinants like maternal education, urban residence, and better wealth index were directly reducing the likelihood of chronic undernutrition. Conversely, deprived living standards and inadequate MDD directly raised the odds of chronic undernutrition. Determinants such as deprived living standards, residence, wealth index, and maternal education indirectly affected chronic undernutrition through inadequate MDD and ANC. Therefore, the finding suggests that interventions should adopt a holistic approach that includes maternal education, wealth index, living standard, dietary diversity, and ANC for reducing chronic undernutrition among under-five children in Ethiopia.