The Burden of Undernutrition and Its Associated Factors Among Children Below 5 Years of Age in Bambao Region, Comoros

BackgroundUndernutrition remains a major public health problem in low- and middle-income countries and Comoros is no exception. This study aimed to examine the prevalence and identify the risk factors of undernutrition among children under-five years in Bambao region, Comoros. MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in Bambao region among 837 under-five years and their caregivers. Analyses were conducted using both descriptive and logistic regression to examine the magnitude and factors associated with stunting, wasting and underweight. ResultsPrevalence of stunting, wasting and underweight were 21.6, 13.7, and 13.6% respectively. Factors associated with stunting were caregiver's secondary education level compared to no education (AOR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.04-3.43, P < 0.04), age of child between 13-24 months compared to 0-12 months (AOR = 2.69, 95% CI: 1.44-5.01, P < 0.001), and food insecurity (AOR = 2.55, 95% CI: 1.20-5.41, P < 0.02). Children aged 25-59 months were 78% less likely to have wasting compared to those with 0-12 months (AOR = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.10-0.51, P < 0.001). Wasting was also associated with food insecurity (AOR = 2.70, 95% CI: 1.12-6.49, P < 0.03), and low birthweight (AOR = 3.21, 95% CI: 1.73-5.94, P < 0.001). Children aged between 25-59 months were 86% less likely to have underweight compared to those aged 0-12 months (AOR = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.06-0.36, P < 0.001). Food insecurity (AOR = 2.65, 95% CI: 1.08-6.54, P < 0.03), low birthweight (AOR = 3.15, 95% CI: 1.67-5.93, P < 0.001), and non-exclusively breastfeeding (AOR = 2.37, 95% CI: 1.15-4.90, P < 0.02) were also associated with underweight. ConclusionMore than one in five children under-five is stunted in Bambao region, Comoros. Moreover, more than 13% are underweight or wasted calling for streamlined efforts to address poor feeding practices, food insecurity, low birthweight, and socio-demographic disadvantages in this and other areas with similar context.