Abstract:
Background: The poor practice of key essential nutrition action (ENA) messages contributes
significantly to mortality and morbidity related to malnutrition in young children. However, there
is a dearth of studies focusing on the practice of key ENA messages and their associated factors
in Ethiopia, particularly in the study area.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the practice of key essential nutrition action messages
among mothers of children aged 6 months to 2 years in Karat town, Konso zone, South, Ethiopia,
2024.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study involving 421 mothers of children aged 6
months to 2 years was conducted in Karat town, South Ethiopia from January 15 to February 29,
2024. Respondents were chosen using computer-generated random numbers. Structured,
interviewer-administered, and pretested questionnaires, were used to collect data. The data were
coded and entered into EpiData 3.1 before being exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis.
Logistic regression was employed to identify factors influencing mothers' practice of key ENA
messages. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval.
Results: The study found that 47.6% (95% CI: 42.8, 52.42) of mothers demonstrated good
practices regarding key ENA messages. Having secondary education or higher (Adjusted Odds
Ratio [AOR]: 2.82 [1.3-6.15]), (AOR: 4.39 [1.8-10.69]), institutional delivery (AOR: 2.31 [1.17
4.56]), receiving nutritional counseling during antenatal care (ANC) (AOR: 2.51 [1.46-4.299]),
postnatal care (PNC) services (AOR: 1.75 [1.006-3.037]), good knowledge (AOR: 3.47 [1.89
6.39]), and good attitude (AOR: 2.06 [1.14-3.75]) all increase the likelihood of good practice.
Conclusions: The study highlights the poor practice of key ENA messages among mothers in
Karat town, Konso zone, South Ethiopia. Factors such as higher educational level, receipt of
PNC services, institutional delivery, nutritional counseling during ANC, and possessing good
knowledge and attitudes toward key ENA messages were significantly associated with good
practice. Implementing targeted education programs, strengthening postnatal care services,
nutritional counseling into routine antenatal care, and promoting institutional deliveries were
recommended.
