Coexistence of Stunting and Wasting, and Associated Factors among Under-Five Children in Bahir Dar Town, North West Ethiopia: 2024

Abstract Introduction: The coexistence of wasting and stunting is defined as the simultaneous presence of both conditions in the same child. However, this phenomenon has not been well documented among children under five years of age. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the coexistence of stunting and wasting, and associated factors in children under five in Bahir Dar town, North-western Ethiopia, from May to June 2024. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 385 children under five years of age selected systematically in Bahir Dar town. SPSS version 20.0 was used to analyze the data. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to identify factors associated with the coexistence of stunting and wasting at a p-value of < 0.05 and 95% confidence level. Results The prevalence of the coexistence of wasting and stunting (WaSt) was 5.4% (95% CI: 3.0–7.8). Counselling on complementary food (AOR = 6.7, 95% CI = 1.1–41.3, P = 0.045); sanitation practices (AOR = 0.004, 95% CI = 0.00-0.559, p = 0.029); family size (AOR = 5.6, 95%CI = 5.1–6.2, P = 0.035); mother’s education level (AOR = 3.04, 95%CI = 1.1–8.7, P = 0.045); and birth order AOR = 0.12, 95%CI = 0.02–0.75, P = 0.049) were the identified associated factors for coexistence WaSt among under five children. Conclusion Prevalence of concurrent WaSt was below ten per cent. Counselling on complementary food, family size, mother education, sanitation and birth order were found to be significant determinants. Accordingly, nutrition education, family planning, parental empowerment and improved sanitation interventions are recommended.