Under-Nutrition and Associated Factors Among Lactating Mothers in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

• Published in: Maternal and Child Health Journal 2022, Vol.26 (11), p.2210
• Main Authors: Girma, Bekahegn, Nigussie, Jemberu, Molla, Alemayehu, Mareg, Moges
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Subjects: Breast feeding; Demographic aspects; Health aspects; Malnutrition; Mothers; Risk factors
• ISSN: 1092-7875
• DOI: 10.1007/s10995-022-03467-6

Under-nutrition (body mass index < 18.5 kg/m.sup.2) is a global problem with an increasing trend in recent years. The burden is high in low and middle-income countries, especially in Africa. Lactating mothers are among the most vulnerable groups for under nutrition; particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. In Ethiopia, the prevalence of under-nutrition among this group is inconsistent and inconclusive. Therefore, we aimed to assess the pooled prevalence of under-nutrition and its associated factors among lactating mothers in Ethiopia. To write this review and meta-analysis, we followed the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis guidelines. Primary articles were searched from PubMed, Hinari, Cochrane Library, science direct databases, Google, and Google scholar. STATA version 16 software and a standardized Microsoft excel format were used for analysis and data extraction, respectively. Heterogeneity between studies was checked. To determine the pooled prevalence of under-nutrition, we used a random-effect model. Begg's and Egger's tests were done to detect publication bias. Subgroup analysis was also steered and association was uttered by a pooled odds ratio with 95% CI. The pooled prevalence of under-nutrition among lactating mothers was 23.84% [95% CI (19.40, 28.27)]. Educational status (no formal education) {Pooled OR 2.30 [95% CI (1.34, 3.96)]} was significantly associated with under-nutrition. The pooled prevalence of under-nutrition was high. Maternal educational status was significantly associated with under-nutrition. Therefore, the federal ministry of health and the concerned stakeholders should give attention to these most vulnerable groups and strengthen the implementation of the previously designed strategies.