Prevalence and correlates of stunting and thinness among adolescent students in Lideta subcity, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of stunting and thinness and associated factors among adolescents attending public schools in Lideta subcity, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2021.DesignCross-sectional.SettingPublic schools in Lideta subcity, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.EligibilityAdolescents from grades 5–12 in public schools and students whose parents gave consent for participation.Data analysisBivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to examine the association between the independent variables and stunting and thinness. Using a 95% CI and adjusted OR (AOR), factors with a p value of less than 0.05 were determined to have a significant association.Outcome measuresThe prevalence of stunting and thinness, as well as the factors associated with stunting and thinness, were secondary outcomes.ResultsThe overall prevalence of stunting and thinness was 7.2% (95% CI: 5.3% to 9.3%) and 9% (95% CI: 6.8% to 11.4%), respectively. Stunting was associated with a larger family size (AOR=3.76; 95% CI: 1.58 to 8.94), low dietary diversity (AOR=2.87; 95% CI: 1.44 to 5.74), food insecurity (AOR=2.81; 95% CI: 1.38 to 5.71) and a lower wealth index (AOR=3.34; 95% CI: 1.51 to 7.41). On the other hand, thinness was associated with maternal education in those who were unable to read and write (AOR=2.5; 95% CI: 1.97 to 8.11), inadequate dietary diversity (AOR=4.81; 95% CI: 2.55 to 9.07) and larger family size (AOR=2.46; 95% CI: 1.14 to 5.29).ConclusionAdolescent stunting and thinness were common in Addis Ababa’s public schools. Family size, dietary diversity and food security were the main factors associated with both thinness and stunting. Therefore, to solve the problem of adolescent stunting and thinness, the administration of Addis Ababa city should prioritise minimising food insecurity while boosting productivity to enhance adolescent nutritional diversity. Moreover, nutritional education should be strengthened by healthcare providers working at public schools as well as health extension workers.