MAGNITUDE OF STUNTING AT BIRTH AND ITS ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG NEWBORNS DELIVERED IN PUBLIC HEALTH FACILITIES OF KONSO ZONE, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Background: Stunting at birth refers to a condition where neonates are shorter than expected for their gestational age. This phenomenon begins during pregnancy and often reflects the enduring consequences of inadequate nutrition and other deficiencies during pregnancy. It can have lasting effects on a child‟s physical and cognitive health throughout their life. In Ethiopia, over three out of ten newborns were born stunted, underscoring it as a critical public health concern. While some studies have been conducted in the country, there is currently no research specific to the study area. Objective: This study assessed magnitude of stunting at birth and its associated factors among newborns delivered at public health facilities of Konso zone southern Ethiopia 2024. Method: A facility-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 387 newborns delivered at public health facilities of Konso zone from December 20/ 2023 to February26/ 2024. The data was collected using KoboToolbox (v2023.2.4) and then exported to Stata version 17.0 for analysis. The result was presented using descriptive statistics such as frequency tables, percentage, and measures of central tendency with matching measures of dispersion. To select candidates for the multivariable logistic regression model, p-values less than 0.25 was considered in binary logistic regression. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed and Odds Ratio, CI -95%, and p < 0.05 were used for statistical significance. Result: out of 387 total samples, 384 newborn mother pairs were participated in the study, giving 99.22% response rate. The prevalence of stunting at birth was 30.21% CI (25.65-35.07). Mothers who do not take deworming supplementation (AOR=2.6, 95% CI: (1.50-4.78)), male newborns (AOR=2, 95% CI: (1.12-3.38)), preterm newborns (AOR =2.4, 95% CI:(1.05-5.40)), low birth weight (AOR=3.7, 95% CI: (1.71-9.68), and newborns of malnourished mothers (AOR=2.2, 95% CI: (1.12-4.37)) were factors significantly associated with stunting at birth. Conclusion: Stunting affected approximately one-third of newborns in the study area, highlighting a significant public health concern. Key contributing factors include the lack of maternal deworming supplementation, male neonates, preterm birth, low birth weight, and malnourished mothers. To address this issue, health care providers should prioritize educating pregnant mothers about the benefits of deworming and ensure they receive the recommended treatment. Additionally, collaboration between the Konso Zone Health Department and health extension workers is essential for conducting nutritional education sessions that promote an adequate, nutrient-dense diet based on locally produced foods for pregnant mothers.