Magnitude of underweight and associated factors among women aged 15-49 years with obstetric fistula in Hamlin fistula hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2021: A cross-sectional hospital-based study

Abstract

Background: The poor nutritional status of women has been a significant problem in Ethiopia. A reason for the widespread malnutrition  and the associated consequences in resource-poor settings are due to diets that are often monotonous

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of underweight and its associated factors among women with obstetric fistula at  Addis Ababa Hamlin Fistula Hospital, Ethiopia.

Methods: This study gathered data through a cross-sectional survey involving 143 women aged 15-49 who attended the outpatient  department of Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital between January 20 and February 20, 2021. The sample size was determined using a single  population proportion formula, and systematic random sampling was applied. Face-to-face interviews, structured questionnaires, chart  reviews, and anthropometric measurements were conducted. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics, binary,  and multiple logistic regressions were done. A significance level of p<0.05 was utilized.

Results: The findings revealed that 33.6% (95% CI:  26%-42%) of women with obstetric fistula were underweight. Rural residence was associated with a 5.14-fold higher likelihood of being underweight compared to urban areas (AOR=5.14, 95% CI: 1.33, 19.84). Additionally, women from food-insecure households had a 4.06  times higher risk of being underweight compared to those from food-secure households (AOR=4.06, 95% CI: 1.61, 10.25). Furthermore,  women with low dietary diversity scores were 4.07 times more likely to be underweight compared to those with high dietary diversity  scores (AOR=4.07, 95% CI: 1.29, 12.91).

Conclusion: The study highlights the high prevalence of underweight among women with obstetric fistula, even greater than global prevalence rate of 9.7%, and emphasizes the importance of implementing comprehensive  interventions to improve nutrition and well-being in this population.