PRACTICE OF KEY ESSENTIAL NUTRITION ACTION MESSAGES AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG MOTHERS OF CHILDREN AGED SIX MONTHS TO TWO YEARS OLD IN KARAT TOWN, KONS

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.