The Nutritional Status of Vulnerable Populations in Ethiopia
Dilnesaw Zerfu *
Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute (EHNRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Tibebu Moges
Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute (EHNRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Masresha Tessema
Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute (EHNRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Solomon Eshetu
Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute (EHNRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Temesgen Awoke
Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute (EHNRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Yosef Beyen
Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute (EHNRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Tesfaye Zeru
Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute (EHNRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Abinet Tekle
Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute (EHNRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Adamu Belay
Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute (EHNRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Amha Kebede
Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute (EHNRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Aregash Samuel
Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute (EHNRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Objectives: According to the Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey 2011, the prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight among children 6-59 months old was 44%, 12% and 29% respectively. The proportion of non-pregnant women with a Body Mass Index (BMI) below 18.5 kg/m2, indicating chronic energy deficiency was 27%. This survey will measure anthropometric status among children 6-59 months of age, school age children 5-14 years of age, non-pregnant women 15-45 years old, and men 15-54 years old at national and regional levels.
Methods: The ENMS is a cross-sectional household survey designed to produce national and regionally representative estimates of nutritional status. Anthropometry measurements will be conducted for all target groups using standard methods. Anthropometric indicators of length/height-for-age, weight-for-height, and weight-for-age will be determined for children 6-59 months. Thinness, normal, overweight and obesity will be assessed according to BMI among other target groups.
Results: The national and regional prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight among children 6-59 months of age will be presented. The national and regional proportions of thinness, overweight and obesity among all target groups will also be presented.
Conclusions: This survey will provide national and regional data to guide nutrition programs in Ethiopia.