Is child growth monitoring and promotion service utilization is adequate in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Abstract Background Appropriate nutritional intervention in the first two years of life could break the intergenerational linkage of malnutrition that leads to physical and cognitive problems. To break this linkage, the preventive method; Growth monitoring and promotion (GM) is recommended to identify growth problems early and prevent physical and cognitive deficits in young children. However, according to the national report, GMP utilization in Ethiopia is below the UNICEF standard (80%). Therefore, the aim of this review was to systematically and quantitatively summarize the factors affecting the utilization of growth monitoring. Method We searched PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and Google for studies that had been conducted in Ethiopia. Searches were using the English language. A preferred reporting item for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) checklist was used. Two authors independently reviewed the studies. The effect sizes of the meta-analysis were the utilization of GMP service utilization and the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of the associated factors We summarized the studies on the use of growth monitoring service utilization quantitatively and qualitatively. A random-effects model was conducted to obtain the pooled estimates. Result A total of nine observational studies were included in this review. The pooled prevalence of GMP service utilization in Ethiopia was 26.0% (95% CI: 19.00–33.00). The pooled odds ratio showed that a significant association was found between utilization of GMP and the age of child (AOR = 2.68; 95% CI: 1.95–3.69). Wealth index status (AOR = 1.76; 95% CI: 1.67–1.86), counseling about GMP (AOR = 1.72; 95% CI: 1.44–2.05) Media accessibility (AOR = 1.16; 95% CI: 1.10–1.23) and maternal attitude about GMP (AOR = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.17–1.28) Conclusion Utilization of growth monitoring and promotion service in Ethiopia remains low. The age of the child, media accessibility, wealth index status, and maternal attitude about GMP were significantly associated with service utilization. Primary attention should be given to maternal attitudes towards GMP and counseling about GMP to improve service utilization of GMP in Ethiopia.